Development of River Basin Office Implementation Action Plan for Nepal (DRIP-Nepal)
Nepal is home to an extensive network of river systems that are fed by glacial melt, snowmelt, and monsoonal rains, and are central to national and regional water security. Yet increasing pressures from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and rising demand for water, food, and energy are creating complex challenges for sustainable basin management.
Through a unique Australian-Nepali partnership, the International WaterCentre (IWC), together with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Nepal, will support the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) to co-design and deliver a nationally relevant River Basin Office (RBO) Action Plan. Drawing together expertise in RBO design, river basin planning, GEDSI-responsive leadership, and technical and strategic capability development, the project focuses on selecting and shaping an appropriate RBO model, including its functions, structure and operational approach.
The activity aims to work with WECS to equip them with the tools, systems, capacity, and collaborative processes needed to establish and operationalise RBOs that are locally led, climate‑resilient, inclusive, and effective. WECS has prioritized the Karnali, Gandaki, and Koshi basins for the first phase of establishing river basin offices among Nepal’s ten major river basins.
Project Objectives
- Develop a locally led, co-designed RBO framework that is integrated, climate‑resilient, and GEDSI‑responsive, outlining effective structure, functions, and operational requirements.
- Clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision‑making processes across WECS, government agencies, and non‑governmental stakeholders to strengthen coordination and accountability in basin management.
- Produce a practical Action Plan that guides the establishment and operationalisation of River Basin Offices nationally, building the technical capacity, leadership capabilities, and multi‑stakeholder collaboration required for long‑term success.
