Water sources in Mustang, a trans-Himalayan district in Gandaki Province, are steadily depleting, creating severe challenges for farmers managing livestock and agriculture.
Locals report that rising temperatures in recent years—believed to be a result of climate change—have significantly impacted local water availability.
During a recent interaction program in Gharapjhong and Baragung Muktikshetra rural municipalities, residents voiced serious concerns over shrinking water sources, which have already begun to disrupt farming and livestock rearing.
Deepak Sherchan from the Local Water Consumers Committee in Jomsom said the growing shortage of water is directly linked to the drying up of natural sources.
"As natural water sources vanish and the number of households in Jomsom increases, it has become increasingly difficult to meet water demands for domestic use, livestock, and farming," he said, urging authorities to seek alternative solutions.
One apple farmer lamented, "Apple farming yields enough fruit one year, but production drops drastically the next," highlighting the unpredictable impact of water scarcity.
A cattle farmer from Gharapjhong said the highlands of Mustang have not received snowfall recently, preventing vegetation growth and severely affecting yak rearing. He added that due to the lack of vegetation, wildlife has started descending into human settlements in search of food, raising new concerns for locals.
Sherchan noted that although three glacial sources currently supply drinking water to Jomsom Bazaar, these sources are rapidly depleting due to climate change. While the water sources at Kungle hill and Thini in Jomsom remain relatively safe for now, reduced snowfall has caused significant shortages even in these areas.
"The demand for drinking water is high because Jomsom is a commercial hub," he said. "With water sources drying up, authorities must urgently explore long-term alternatives."
Rajendra Sherchan, a farmer from Gharapjhong-4, said the absence of snowfall during key harvesting periods has severely affected apple and indigenous crop production in the region.
He explained that the lack of timely snowfall, coupled with unseasonal snow, rising temperatures, and increased pest and disease outbreaks, has led to a sharp decline in both the production and quality of crops, particularly apples. -- RSS
