Historical background
The background of this resource center is found to be closely related to the reservoir (Indra Sarovar Lake) constructed for the purpose of the Kulakhani Hydroelectric Project. The construction of the reservoir, known as Kulakhani Hydropower Reservoir (Indra Sarovar), began in 2035 B.S. (AD 1978) and was completed in 2039 B.S. (AD 1982). The area where water accumulates (Kulakhani reservoir area) in the reservoir is now a matter of national concern for the conservation and management at the national level.
In order to ensure uninterrupted electricity production, the Indrasarovar reservoir was protected from degradation through watershed management and water conservation programs in the catchment area (Kulekhani watershed). In the initial phase, various programs for soil conservation and water management were implemented, which were of great importance for this reservoir.
From the 2035 B.S. (1978 AD) to 2050 B.S. (1993 AD), various soil conservation and watershed management programs were conducted in a centralized manner in the Kulekhani watershed under the Department of Soil and Water Conservation. These programs were implemented in the Kulekhani reservoir with the objective of managing soil conservation and water resources.
Earlier, during the tenure of the former His Majesty Government, various development partners [USAID (1978-1980), UNDP/FAO (1981-1986), FINIDA (1986-1994), EU (1994-2001)] provided financial and technical support in the programs for the conservation and management of the Kulekhani reservoir, which was of national importance.
Similarly, in the 2042 B.S. (1985 AD), the former Crown Prince Dhirendra Shah inaugurated a tree plantation program, and the Kulekhani reservoir was selected as the venue for this event. This further highlights the national significance of the Kulekhani reservoir.
In 2050 B.S. (1993 AD), the Kulekhani reservoir management program was restructured and transferred to the District Soil Conservation Office in Makawanpur, and subsequently, programs for soil and water conservation were implemented throughout the district based on the need. In 2061 B.S. (2004 AD), the office located at the Kulekhani reservoir was relocated to the district headquarters, Hetauda, and programs related to the Kulekhani reservoir and other areas of the district were implemented from there. These programs continued to be carried out until the fiscal year 2074/2075 (mid-2018).
Establishment of the Center and Brief Description
As per the Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015 AD), the former District Soil Conservation Office was terminated, and the government offices were restructured in a manner where the same office (District Soil Conservation Office) would be utilized as a resource for the offices of the Government of Nepal. On 2075.07.16 (according to November 2, 2018 AD), the establishment of the Federal Watershed Management Resource Center in Kulekhani was carried out in the existing building of the Kulekhani Watershed Management Project. Currently, this center is located in Simlang, Indrasarowar Rural Municipality Ward No. 1, Makwanpur. This center is a federal office under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, and its jurisdiction extends nationwide.
Main Objectives
- Collecting and updating comprehensive data related to soil conservation and watershed management.
- Conducting studies on watershed management.
- Promoting and disseminating certified techniques and methods.