Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
 | A Background Nepal has abundant renewable water resources. The annual rainfall varies from 500 mm/year in some western areas to more than 4,000 mm/year on the southern slopes of the Himalayan range, with 70-80% occurring in the summer monsoon and generating runoff to more than 6,000 watercourses. High rainfall generally gives rise to abundant water supplies, at least seasonally, and surface water and groundwater are important sources for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses. Groundwater is abundant in the Terai and the Kathmandu Valley aquifers, while groundwater is more limited in populated hill regions. In intra-mountain valleys such as Kathmandu, groundwater occurs in well-defined and sometimes isolated basins. In contrast, groundwater in the Terai plains south of the Himalayan Mountain ranges forms a part of the larger system operating in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Extensive groundwater development for irrigation in the Terai started in the 1960s, and today, groundwater serves most of the area’s population for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater development was low-cost and initially did not lead to conflicts. Consequently, abstraction increased without any specific plan or resource management, gradually leading to stress on the resource. Today, almost half of Nepal’s population lives in the Terai and depends solely on groundwater for their drinking needs. There are growing challenges facing groundwater security in the region, including issues around year-round reliability, increasing instances of water insecurity, and growing concerns over its quality. Data available on the quality of deep ground-waters in the Terai show the presence of arsenic as a major health contaminant apart from the prevalence of iron, manganese, and ammonium. Given the strategic value of groundwater in the Terai and the significant risks associated with its contamination and growing water stress, this study aims to support the Ministry of Water Supply, and other relevant stakeholders in assessing groundwater potential, the risks due to contamination, and to identify possible short- and medium-term solutions. Objectives of the assignment The specific objectives of the assignment are to: 1. Assess the current status (quantity and quality) of groundwater in the Terai region based on available data and field visit and observations, including population exposure due to drinking water contamination, identify data gaps and requirements, and suggest short-term mitigation measures. 2. Assess the quality and suitability of existing data sources for monitoring groundwater contamination by arsenic and faecal coliform in the Terai region. 3. Validate findings through sampling to identify hotspot districts/areas. 4. In priority areas, conduct a groundwater assessment and management plan based on groundwater uses and future requirements. 5. Identify capacity requirements for a national/provincial groundwater management program and establish investment recommendations. |
Scope of Work
| B Summary scope of the assignment The scope of the work shall include but not limited to: • Review existing reports and documents, including data on drinking water availability and contamination (specifically on Arsenic concentrations and fecal coliform) available with different agencies and preparation of preliminary report. • Mapping of the spatial distribution of tube wells, tube well discharge, and water quality characteristics, specifically emphasizing arsenic concentration and faecal coliform contamination and groundwater estimation. • Draw up a sampling plan and field-testing program for existing wells ensuring representativeness at the ground level and validate the field test results. Review of existing arsenic removal practices. • Ground water sampling and water quality tests in Government accredited Laboratories. Validation of water quantity and quality status in priority areas / hot-spots, specifically for cluster of villages and towns. • Hydro-geological investigations and pump out tests in diverse geological settings and prepare sub- surface lithology and water quality tests and monitoring of ground water. • Development of a (pilot) simulated groundwater numerical flow and transport model, based on available data. • Development of ground water management plan (GWMP) for priority areas, emphasizing on water stress zone, possible water recharge zones, ground water availability and quality. • Recommend mitigation measures for arsenic and other contaminants including a program of measures for the utilization and protection of groundwater resources utilizing effective and cost-efficient water recharging models, with specific recommendations for managing arsenic and faecalcontamination (short, mid, and long-term). • Prepare an investment plan for the medium to long run, including sustainable development, management, and restoration/protection of the water sources, based on the local authority’s plans, and in line with the national sector development plans. • Undertake capacity-building program, for Ground water resources development board (GWRDB), GoN and Department of Water and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), GoN for effective and efficient planning and utilization of ground water sources. |
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
| The consultant for this position will act as the Senior Hydrogeologist. The consultant in close coordination with the Team Leader and other experts, and will carry out, but not limited to the following tasks: 1. Ensure timely implementation of survey and investigation, deliverables and meet the objectives of the assignment. 2. Review the available ground water data and draw up a water quality analysis and sampling plan and pilot drilling and yield testing program for validation of available data; 3. Support in preparation and finalizing the Inception report (and Desk-top study report and available ground water resource and quality data and gaps), Ground water management plan and Infrastructure investment plan. 4. Undertake field visits as necessary at the pilot drilling sites for validation of the bore-hole drilling and preparation of lithological logs and the pump out tests. 5. Review available data on topographic maps, geological maps, data on existing tube wells and together with GIS expert, prepare maps with spatial distribution and aquifer maps, showing water quality, water availability, aquifer geometry and make meaningful presentation. 6. Review existing arsenic removal practices and suggest short term mitigation measures and long-term options. 7. Undertake training, seminars and workshops session with the pool of experts; With the Team Leader initiate the capacity building program for WECS, DWRI and, ministry of water supply/Department of Water and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) in the areas of groundwater management and monitoring. 8. Review the on-ground works and report on the progress of activities and identify reasons for delay, if any, and measures that need to be taken. In close co-ordination with the Team Leader, ensure the timeline for the activities are coordinated and within the available budgetary allocation. 9. Review the GIS spatial maps, ground water modeling studies being undertaken by the experts. 10. Undertake overall water demand scenarios and prepare the investment plan, for the medium to long run, including the sustainable development, management, and restoration/protection of the water sources 11. With the Team Leader, develop the groundwater management plan, including a program of measures for the utilization and protection of groundwater resources, with specific recommendations for managing arsenic and fecal contamination (short, mid, and long- term). 12. Other relevant tasks to be decided by the Team Leader and ADB. |
Minimum Qualification Requirements
| • Master’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, water resource management or related field. • Related experience in developing and implementing environmental and social management plans, safeguard documents, knowledge products or similar tasks for ADB, WB or similar institutions water related projects. |
