Koshi River is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganges River System in South Asia. The objectives of this research were to assess the impacts of climate change on current and future development in the Koshi River Basin, due to increased variation of extreme climate and hydrological events, and to propose adaptation measures and policy innovations for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptations. Specific objectives include: (i) Advancing knowledge of climate related stressors on hydro-meteorology of Koshi River basin, (ii) Assessment of flood risks in the context of climate change incorporating socio-economic vulnerability, (iii) Revisiting the design values of proposed infrastructures including Koshi High Dam and existing barrages and embankments, (iv) Contributing to policy formulation process and (v) Awareness building and training of new generation of researchers on advanced technology and tools

The research was of an inter-disciplinary nature where the hydrological and climate modelling results were combined with the socio-economic assessments leading to policy prescriptions based on sound scientific and analytical evidence.

The research has helped reduce the number and severity of climate related disasters caused in the Koshi River Basin where frequent flooding has caused serious damage to property, agriculture, and lives in recent times. The research has supported the formulation of better policy and practices related to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptations in the Koshi River Basin.

Specific outputs include (i) calibrated models to assess the impacts of climate change including events like floods and droughts (ii) hazard vulnerability and risk maps for different types of flood events, (iii) policy recommendations at national and community levels for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptations (CCA), (iv) Capacity building of young researchers and support to five Master’s level thesis research and (v) publication of peer reviewed journal article based on the research methodology findings (vi) dissemination of the research findings through workshops and stakeholders consultations.

Learn more about the project from a presentation made at the inception meeting of the project in August 2012

Principal Investigator: Dr. Laxmi P. Devkota, Nepal Development Research Institute(NDRI)

Co-investigators: Dr. Manjeshowri Singh, NDRI, Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, NDRI, Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate and Disaster Research , Center (HiCCDRC), Khatmandu University, Nepal

CDKN funding: £67,629