Namaste,

The Karnali River is the last free-flowing river in Nepal, and is home to vibrant communities, subsistence fishing, abundant wildlife, numerous bird and terrestrial species, along with the golden mahseer (Tor putitora), a prized sport fish, and some of the world’s best whitewater rafting. Unfortunately the Karnali is also targeted for a number of hydropower dams, which would dewater over 100km of the river by forcing the entire flow through massive underground tunnels in different sections. This would not only permanently alter the flow of this iconic river, but wuould also adversely impact wildlife in the valley, as well as the  people of the Karnali (the Majhi, Rajhi, etc), forcing many to lose their homes and way of life, to be displaced elsewhere.

Instead of these unsustainable and harmful mainstem dams, the Karnali region should pursue a sustainable hydropower development model to generate any needed power from smaller tributaries, while leaving the mainstem of the Karnali free flowing, to ensure conservation of freshwater biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and community well-being.

The main channel of the Karnali River must remain free-flowing and water resources and riparian lands must be managed to maintain important social and environmental values. We cannot lose the last free flowing river in Nepal. We must act soon to preserve, protect and improve the health of the river, as well as the well-being of the diverse communities living along the river and throughout Nepal.

Please sign and share our petition demanding the Nepal Government and other authorities to keep the Karnali River free flowing.

Thank you for your time.

-by Karnali River Waterkeeper/Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT)

For More Details:

www.savethekarnali.net (Campaign) | www.nrct.org.np (Organization) | www.waterkeepersnepal.org (Karnali River Waterkeeper) | Email: nepalrivers@gmail.com

Watch the Documentary : The Karnali - 1080 Kilometers, 44 Days, 3 Countries  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z--zIE2TY5g&t=777s