Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has expressed the government's commitment to protecting glacier lakes and strengthening the meteorological forecasting system.

Speaking at an Inaugural Ceremony and Technical Session on Learning Sharing of Watershed Management under the Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week (NNGWWW 2025) here today, the Minister vowed to ensure the budget for the conservation of glacier from the upcoming year.

Recognising the high risk of glacier outbursts and the subsequent potential consequences at a greater level, the Minister underlined the need to implement timely measures to minimise such risk.

He further expressed his concerns over the impact of increasing global temperature, a result of climate change primarily caused by rapid industrialisation in the Himalayas.

Minister Khadka stressed the need for the government to centre on policy-making and finding practical solutions in light of the growing impact of climate change, the shrinking state of glaciers, and the changing meteorological patterns. The maximum utilisation of water and preservation of water resources is much warranted, he said.

"Rivers and glaciers that have originated from the Mountain ranges have created the foundations for energy, agriculture, tourism, and biodiversity, these water resources are the backbone of our culture, civilization, and economic development. In recent years, due to climate change, our glaciers are shrinking, posing grave challenges for water resource management and future water security," Minister Khadka said.

He pledged to establish an effective emergency management system by adjusting the existing meteorological forecasting systems to digital technology and prioritising the promotion of clean water, strengthening weather forecasting systems, and the sustainable development of water resources with the implementation of the Sustainable Water Resources Management Adaptation Strategy.

Secretary at the Water and Energy Commission, Mathu Prasad Bhetwal said the (NNGWWW 2025) aimed to create public awareness of the significance of the protection of water and water resources and of the importance of meteorological information and systems.

The Week is themed "Glacier Preservation, Closing the Early Warning Gap Together".