Nepal, May 4 -- The fragile Chure range, long recognised as the principal recharge zone for groundwater in the Tarai, is steadily losing its ecological function, pushing vast stretches of fertile plains towards an unprecedented water crisis.

A recent study shows that increasing soil erosion, landslides and excessive extraction of riverbed materials such as sand and gravel in the Chure have sharply raised the risk of declining groundwater levels. According to a 2023 research brief published by the President Chure-Tarai Madhesh Conservation Development Committee, the weak geological structure of the Chure, compounded by intense human activity, has significantly reduced the land's natural ability to absorb and store water. This has intensif...