The document discusses water issues facing towns in the Himalayan region. Rapid urbanization due to employment opportunities and regional imbalances has led to unplanned growth of towns. This, combined with climate change impacts, is straining water resources. A survey of 8 towns in the region found that over half of the poor population must buy water to meet daily needs. Issues facing water management in these towns include a lack of planning around demand and supply considering climate change, degradation of natural water sources, and the disappearance of traditional water systems.

1. THE HKH region is characterised by
unique
& hydrology
WATER TANKER
WATER IN
HIMALAYAN TOWNS
A AREHIHimalayan Adaptation, Water and Resilience Research
An increase in urbanization
due to regional imbalances
1. Unplanned urbanization
2. Climate induced changes
People are flocking to the nearest
urban centers for employment and
related economic opportunities
An estimation of water
demand and supply-with
projections that includes
climate change impacts
Estimation of seasonal
carrying capacity of the
city and planning
accordingly
Water quality and waste
management
Management of water at
the bioregional scale
Protection of springs for
sustainable water supply
Our survey shows that more than
half of the poor population in
these 8 towns is buying water to
fulfill their daily needs.
Haveliyan
Murree
Mussoorie
Devaprayag
Tansen
Palpa
Singtam
Kalimpong
Our studysites
Points to PONDER
Encroachment or
degradation of
natural water
bodies is evident
Disappearance of
traditional water
systems are evident
2 critical stressors
3% 8%
Large
cities
SMALL
TOWNS
TOPOGRAPHY
Traditional stone spouts as water sources
<50000
50000 -100000
100000 - 500000
500000 - 1000000
>1000000