About the Board
Groundwater resources exploration and identification activities in Nepal started as early as 1967 through a technical unit under the Department of Irrigation. To enhance groundwater study and investigation activities and to delineate potential area for groundwater irrigation development, Government of Nepal (GON) has established Groundwater Resources Development Board (GWRDB) under the Former Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) in 1976.
The main objectives of the GWRDB are:
- Identification of groundwater potential area in the Terai (shallow and deep aquifer) through geophysical survey and investigation tubewells.
- Exploitation of shallow and deep aquifer in the Terai for irrigation and drinking purpose.
- Develop technical manpower related to groundwater field.
- Regular monitoring of existing investigation tubewells for water level fluctuation, groundwater reserves and water quality.
- Study and investigation of mountain and Karst aquifer.
Groundwater Resources Development Board (GWRDB), located at Babarmahal, Kathmandu is responsible to carry out above mentioned activities through its 9 branch offices. Groundwater Field Offices are located at Biratnagar, Lahan, Mahottari, Birganj, Chitwan, Butwal, Dang, Nepalganj and Dhangadhi.
The study and research program carried out by the project indicates that about 7,26,000 ha. land has good potential for shallow aquifer development and in addition, 3,05,000 ha. land of the Terai has marginal potential. Similarly, about 1,90,000 ha. land of the Terai can be irrigated exploiting deep aquifer. Until now, Department of Irrigation (DOI), Agriculture Development Project, Janakpur (ADPJ), Agriculture Development Bank of Nepal (ADB/N) and private wells have provided year round irrigation facility for about 2,53,242 ha. land of the Terai.
In the Tenth Plan (F.Y. 059/060-063/064), GON had made a target to provide additional irrigation facility for 77,000 ha. land through construction of shallow and deep tubewells. In order to meet the target of the government, GWRDP has conducted several programs and projects in Terai districts through Groundwater Field Offices and Project Offices. In tenth plan period, 44,683 ha. of land has been irrigated through groundwater development.
Construction activities of groundwater development work are carried out by Groundwater Branch Offices (GBO), and Project Offices (PO). Every GBO and PO have adopted proper management system for the implementation of each activity. A high emphasis is given on staff quality and machineries. Every GFO and PO consists of Hydrogeologists, Drillers, Pump Test Technicians and Helpers. Similarly, they are well equipped with Rig Machines, Compressors, Welding Generators, Water Trucks and Logger Machines. Since last five years, the project has started to boost up private sectors in tubewell construction activities. Numerous tubewell construction works were contracted to them.