Citizens of Koshi province will now have clean, safe and accessible drinking water and sanitation services as a legal right. With the unanimous passing of the 'Koshi Province Drinking Water and Sanitation Bill, 2081' from the meeting of the Provincial Assembly on Friday, this right has shifted from constitutional right to legal implementation. This bill was submitted in the provincial assembly on January 9.

"This bill is not only about draining water, but directly affects the health, dignity and standard of living of citizens," Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy Ekraj Karki said in the state assembly. He said that in the bill, the perspective of looking at drinking water as linked to human rights has been given a legal form.

The Constitution of Nepal recognizes drinking water and sanitation as fundamental rights. Although the federal government has already implemented the 'Water and Sanitation Act, 2079', Koshi has brought this separate bill for implementation at the state level, addressing local needs and intensive management of service access. The

bill has now defined drinking water as a 'right' and not a service. For its implementation, the provincial government will take responsibility for service creation, operation, monitoring and quality control. Services can be delivered through public-private partnership (PPP), consumer committees and collaboration with the private sector.

At least 10 percent of economically weak households in the service area will be connected with free electricity. Dalits, single women, marginalized and underprivileged communities will be exempted from service charges.

There is a provision of fines for those operating water supply services without registration. Likewise, a legal provision has been made to pay compensation if health is affected due to negligence in quality or contaminated water supply.

It is mentioned in the bill that the government will set up a laboratory for water quality testing and monitoring. In addition, emphasis has been placed on the development of child-friendly toilets, women-friendly sanitation centers and environment-friendly infrastructure.

Now the details of water sources, pipelines, sewage systems and purification centers will be managed through an integrated digital map. It is said that it will facilitate making long-term plans, working in emergency situations and mobilizing resources. Consistency in policies and plans will be brought by forming an 11-member coordination committee at the provincial level. Cooperation with local levels will be done by forming committees at the district level as well.