Climate Resilient City Wide Inclusive Sanitation Plan,
Waling Town, Nepal

Introduction

Waling Municipality, part of Nepal’s Western Development Region, spans 134 square kilometers with 14 wards and a population of 50,488 as per the 2021 Census, almost evenly split between 23,482 males and 27,006 females. The area’s high population density of 393 people per square kilometer complements its impressive 83.4% literacy rate, forming a strong base for governance and development. The economy is mainly agriculture-focused, with 63.62% of the land dedicated to farming and 29.83% covered by forests, reflecting its rural character. Aandhikkhola and Chhyangree Khola rivers significantly influence the area’s water resources. Waling experiences relatively low disaster risks, with 98.5% of the land having low flood risk and 51.4% with low fire hazards, notably influencing its primary land use, agriculture.

Project Info

Client

ENPHO, Nepal

Date

August , 2023

Location

Waling Town, Nepal

Scope

The project’s scope is to comprehensively evaluate and transform Waling, Nepal’s sanitation system, with a primary focus on developing a CWIS Plan. This multifaceted initiative includes activities like assessing challenges, proposing technology-driven containment solutions, improving sludge removal infrastructure, identifying treatment plant locations, exploring greywater treatment options, suggesting regulatory updates, and conducting financial viability assessments.

Its primary goal is to holistically address sanitation challenges by integrating data analysis, spatial planning, and water-sensitive strategies into the CWIS framework. Its approach centres on wastewater management, regulatory reforms, and flood risk mitigation, with the aim of creating a resilient water management system that meets Waling Town’s needs while complying with regulations and financial considerations.

Did You Know?

Service Delivered

Comprehensive Solution

The team offered a comprehensive solution, utilizing advanced GIS technology. Data mining, spatial analysis, and water-sensitive urban planning strategies to gather information, create thematic maps and provide accurate assessments.

Flood Modelling and Risk Mitigation

Provided practical strategies to mitigate potential hazards by flood modelling and risk assessments. The data-driven approach ensured the development of effective flood management plans for the town.

Wastewater Management Expertise

Designed integrated wastewater management plans, assessed existing facilities, and proposed solutions for the treatment of greywater. The focus was on sustainable sanitation solutions that benefited both the environment and the community.

Greywater Management as Pilot Solutions

The town was divided into greywater management zones based on watershed, built-up, and population density. The initial phase focused on high-density settlements, implementing I&D systems near existing FSTPs for effective wastewater treatment.

Cost Estimates and Phased Plans

The services not only provided detailed cost estimates and phased implementation plans but has also guaranteed that Waling Town could seamlessly adopt the recommendations in a systematic and financially feasible manner.

Regulatory Reform Recommendations

In addition to technical solutions, actionable regulatory reform recommendations were provided. These were aimed at creating a resilient, climate-conscious citywide sanitation plan for Waling Town, promoting sustainability and inclusivity in urban development.

Work Illustration

The flood vulnerability assessment framework employs five parameters—elevation, precipitation, drainage density, slope, and land cover—each assigned a weighted score based on their influence on flood risk. Additionally, drainage density evaluates surface runoff via the channel-to-basin area ratio, and land cover considers factors such as proximity to water bodies and land use type. The assessment reveals that 1,280 housing units (9%) are at risk of flooding. These vulnerable areas also face operational challenges for toilet units, including issues like toilet back-flow and non-functional soak-pits.