Depleting Water Sources in Mustang Threaten Agriculture and Livestock

The trans-Himalayan district of Mustang in Gandaki Province is grappling with a growing water crisis as natural water sources continue to deplete, severely impacting agriculture and livestock farming.

Locals report that rising temperatures in recent years, believed to be a direct consequence of climate change, have dramatically reduced the availability of water. The situation was a major point of concern during recent community gatherings held in Gharapjhong and Waragung Muktikshetra rural municipalities.

Deepak Sherchan of the Local Water Consumers Committee in Jomsom noted that the dwindling water supply is closely tied to the drying up of natural springs and glacial sources. “While the number of households is increasing in Jomsom, the available water is decreasing, making it difficult to meet the needs of households, livestock, and agriculture,” he said. Sherchan called on authorities to urgently explore alternative solutions to address the looming crisis.

Farmers echoed these concerns, pointing to unpredictable agricultural yields. “Apple farming gives good harvests one year but drops drastically the next,” one farmer lamented, attributing the inconsistency to water scarcity.

A cattle farmer from Gharapjhong further highlighted the broader ecological impacts. With snowfall becoming rare in Mustang’s highlands, vegetation growth has been stunted, severely affecting yak rearing. The lack of forage has even forced wildlife to descend into human settlements in search of food, creating new challenges for residents.

Currently, three glacial sources supply drinking water to Jomsom Bazaar, but these are steadily drying up due to climate change. Although water sources at Kungle Hill and Thini are still intact, Sherchan warned that the overall decline in snow-fed sources has led to a pressing shortage, especially in the commercially active areas of Jomsom.

“Given the high demand for drinking water, long-term strategies must be developed to secure alternative sources,” Sherchan urged.

Rajendra Sherchan, a farmer from Gharapjhong-4, shared that the absence of timely snowfall during the apple and indigenous crop seasons has significantly reduced crop quality and yield. Unseasonal snowfalls, rising temperatures, and disease outbreaks in crops have further deteriorated Mustang’s agricultural output.

As the water crisis deepens, Mustang’s farmers and herders are calling for immediate intervention to secure the future of their livelihoods.