ASSESSING HITI SYSTEM AS A NATURE BASED SOLUTION IN ADDRESSING WATER SECURITY IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Abstract

Water security is a global concern, with Kathmandu Valley, the largest urban agglomeration in Nepal, facing its own set of water issues such as water stress, water affordability, water resilience, declining ground water levels and urban pluvial flooding. Research from various regions has underscored that solely relying on built infrastructure is insufficient for resolving long-term water security issues. Consequently, a comprehensive approach that combines built infrastructure solutions with nature-based solutions is essential. Drawing inspiration from “sponge cities”, which is based on the ancient water management wisdom of China, and is a leading example of Nature Based solutions, this research explores the potential of Hiti System which is the indigenous water management system of Kathmandu Valley and is deeply rooted within the community, as the Nepalese version of Nature based solution for addressing water security. The study aims to showcase this by highlighting how the system acts to in conservation of ecosystem, promotes local resource utilization and community engagement, through the two successful case studies of Alko Hiti and Pimbahal Pond of Patan. The research being mostly qualitative and having parts of descriptive results, the study has been carried out through field observations, key informant interviews, semi structured interviews with the community and literature review. The research then channelizes these findings to present how water security is being addressed through these efforts. Further the study attempts to view Hiti System as a sustainable means to address water security, and advocates that it should not be limited to the perspective of cultural preservation.