Chitwan, March 22 -- The roof over their heads exists, yet it fails to keep out the rain; a tap stands in the village, but no water flows from it. An elderly couple in Kanda, Lothar-a remote hilly settlement in ward 13 of Rapti Municipality in Chitwan-have somehow managed to arrange drinking water for now. But as for re-thatching their roof, they say they have no means to do so.

In this village at the foot of Kaminchuli, one of Chitwan's highest peaks, at least six households face a severe drinking water crisis as soon as winter sets in.

Dhansingh Chepang is 70 years old. His wife, Thulimaya, is of a similar age. The palm of Dhansingh's left hand is shrivelled, and his fingers do not function properly, making it difficult for him to gri...