Nepal - Support of the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG)

Country / Region: Nepal / Europe, GUS
Focal point: Environmental geology and land-use planning

Begin of project: September 9, 1988

End of project: June 6, 2002

Status of project: July 17, 2006

Waste disposal site Gokarna near Kathmandu – Adjacent settlement areas are endangered by waste water and landslides Source: BGR

Nepal is in need of basic geo-scientific information as well as maps in support of  sustainable planning and development. Information is needed to assure an appropriate environmental sound use of the scare natural resources and to register the geo-risks.

The cooperation between BGR and the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) first focussed on mineral exploration, geological mapping, engineering geology and remote sensing. The technical set-up of laboratories and the remote sensing department were supported by BGR. A new geological map (scale 1:1 mio.) was prepared and publised by DMG.

In 1994, in consequence of urging environmental problems and increasing demand for geo-environmental planning data, the project activities have been shifted towards environmental geology. The project was aimed at strengthening the DMG’s capabilities to provide geological advisory services. Environmental geological maps of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys have been prepared with modern GIS-techniques. Special focus has been put on applicability and user-orientation of the maps. Investigation and delineation of potential waste disposal sites have been established as a new environmental geological service of DMG. Fives sites with suitable barrier potential of the underground have been identified and recommended in the Kathmandu Valley for detailed investigations regarding the selection of a new landfill site. Additonal advisory services for the selection of suitable waste disposal sites have been carried out in Butwal, Banepa, Tansen and Bharatpur.

Technical Cooperation with Nepal

Partner:

Department of  Mines and Geology (DMG)