SOHAM Nepal organized a talk programme on Deterministic approach towards radar data interpolation by Mr. Binay Shakya, Assistant Professor, Nepal Engineering College, Changunarayan on July 27, 2017 in Kathmandu. The venu was Meeting Hall, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Naxal.

(Mr. Binaya Shakya talked about the importance of radar data in rainfall measurement in the context of urban Nepal as well as the working principal of radar in measuring the rainfall. He is a Civil Engineer by profession. He has completed his master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from University of Leuven, Belgium recently.)

Research Abstract:
[Rainfall data is the most important input variable in all urban hydrological applications. Quick runoff responses and small area of urban catchments require high resolution spatial-temporal rainfall data for accurate flow outputs by these applications. Cities of Nepal are seeing rapid urbanization. Lack of adequate number of raingauges within an urban catchment is one of major limitations for any urban modeling purpose. Moreover, a dense network of raingauges may not be economically viable. An alternative to raingauge network can be the use of Radar. Radar derived rainfall data is becoming more reliable than in the past. Furthermore, radar data can provide high-resolution data required by urban hydrological applications. However, gaps in radar data set for a rainfall event can cause serious underestimation of output flows. In this regard, a deterministic extrapolation technique is developed in this study with the objective of extrapolating existing data to a future time step which may be used to fill in any gaps found in radar data. Storm identification, storm tracking and storm projection using radar data are the key steps used in extrapolation scheme. The schemes developed in this study was found out to be better than the widely used traditional nowcasting scheme, Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis and Nowcasting (TITAN).]

A discussion program on “Daily Rainfall Measurement in Nepal via Citizen Science: Data Collection and Analysis” was organized by Community Based Rainfall Measurement-Nepal (CORAM-Nepal) with support from University of Wyoming, USA; Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal (GoN); Society of Hydrologists and Meteorologists-Nepal (SOHAM-Nepal); UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO IHP-Nepal); Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM), Tribhuvan University; Institute for Social and Environment Transition-Nepal (ISET-Nepal); Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) and RECHAM Consult (Pvt.) Ltd. on July 25, 2017 in Kathmandu. 

Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General of DHM was the chief guest of the programme. The programme was chaired by Dr. Deepak Aryal, Head, CDHM-TU. On behalf of SOHAM-Nepal, Mr. Suman Kumar Regmi, General Secretary attended the programme. During the technical session, Mr. Suresh Marahatta from RECHAM Consult, Mr. Sagun Dhungana, Mr. Jeffrey C. Davids from Smartphones4water and Mr. Ajaya Dixit from ISET Nepal delivered lectures on different topics related to rainfall measurement and citizen science. Students and teachers from various school participated in the programme and also shared their experiences on rainfall measurement. At the end, queries received from participants were responded by different experts. The first half of the programme was organized at lecture hall, Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.

During the second half, the programme was arranged at Meteorological Forecasting Division of DHM, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. On the occasion, participants visited Meteorological Station and National Weather Forecasting Center and also received briefing on various issues such as weather observation, forecasting, application of meteorological data etc. Mr. Barun Paudel, Secretary, SOHAM-Nepal provided briefing and also responded queries received from the participants.

We all are deeply saddened by the sad demise of Dr. Hari Man Shrestha (Aug 6,1934 – Apr 27, 2017).  Dr. Hari Man Shrestha, a water resources expert, was the first in Nepal to find out Nepal’s hydropower potential by 83,000 megawatts during his Ph.D thesis while conducting research at Moscow Power Institute (Former USSR) in 1966 AD. He was honored by SOHAM-Nepal and Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal, with a certificate of appreciation for remarkable contribution in the field Water resources on March 23, 2017 in Kathmandu. SOHAM Nepal would like to express our deep condolence to his family members, relatives and friends. May his soul attain eternal peace. 

Third International Conference on “Mountain Hydrology and Meteorology for the Sustainable Development” was organized by Society of Hydrologists and Meteorologists-Nepal (SOHAM-Nepal) in association with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal (GoN) on April 10-11, 2017 at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu. 

The conference was supported by Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM), Tribhuvan University (TU), Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate and Disaster Research Center, Kathmandu University(KU), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Kathmandu Centre for Research and Education, Tribhuvan University (KCRE, CAS-TU), Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), OJERI and BK21Plus ELEC of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea, Real Times Solutions (RTS) and United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Hydrological Programme Nepal (UNESCO IHP-Nepal).

The conference was inaugurated by Rt. Hon’ble Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun by lighting the panas. Rt. Hon’ble Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun highlighted the importance of Hydrology and Meteorology for the sustainable development of the country in his inaugural remarks. Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, Vice-Chairperson, SOHAM-Nepal gave warm welcome speech. Hon’ble Jay Dev Joshi, Minister, Ministry of Population and Environment, Prof. Dr. Jiba Raj Pokharel, Vice-Chancellor, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Dr. Bishwa Nath Oli, Secretary, Ministry of Population and Environment also spoke during inaugural session. SOHAM-Nepal Executive Committee/life members, distinguished guest from various national and international organizations, Participants, Media Persons were also present on the occasion. The programme is chaired by Dr. Jagat Kumar Bhusal, chairperson, SOHAM-Nepal.

More than 200 participants actively participated in the conference. There were 59 oral and 13 poster presentations along with 6 invited lectures from eminent professionals. The conference also included an exhibition stall from Real Time Solutions (RTS) and a Travel desk from Raya Tours and Travels for post excursion.

Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) chaired the closing session on April 11, 2017. He also presented Kathmandu Declaration 2017. On behalf of participants, two representatives respectively from national and international participants also shared their experiences. Mr. Suman Kumar Regmi, General Secretary, SOHAM-Nepal gave vote of thanks. At the end, Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, Vice-Chairperson, SOHAM-Nepal concluded the conference by closing remarks.

Landslide EVO project kickoff meeting was held on March 14-15, 2017 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kathmandu. Twenty project investigators and partners representing various national and intentional agencies such as Imperial College London, Geological Survey of Austria, Birmingham University, Geneva University, International Institute for applied Systems Analysis, Practical Action Nepal, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, SOHAM-Nepal, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Wageningen University, ESPA and Kathmandu Living Labs attended the meeting.  Dr. Jyotiraj Patra, Regional Evidence Advisor – South Asia, ESPA also joined in the meeting. On behalf of SOHAM-Nepal, Dr. Jagat Kumar Bhual, Chairperson, Dr. Janak Lal Nayava, Advisior and Mr. Suman Kumar Regmi, General Secretary took part in the meeting. 

The meeting brought project investigators and partners together for the first time to re-appraise the project objectives, exchange ideas on the use of existing research tools, discuss project coordination, and agree on short-term commitments. One main outcome of the meeting was to identify an immediate need for a common theoretical methodological framework across all four Work Packages. 

On March 16, the first project stakeholder workshop was also held followed the meeting with a great success. Twenty additional potential local stakeholders from various government and non-government agencies such as Department of Water Induced Disaster Prevention, Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, DFID, Mission East, Save The Children, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, Medair actively participated in the workshop. 

Selected project investigators and partners also visited upper Karnali Basin, western Nepal during March 17-20. The main objective of this trip was to understand natural and social processes governing landslide occurrence and also to identify potential landslide localities. The team identified three potential localities: two landslides close to Dadeldhura, and another farther north towards Chainpur on which a large settlement had been constructed. The visit also strengthened coordination between the central team, local partners and collaborators. 

Nepal National Water and Weather Week (NNWWW)-2017 

SOHAM-Nepal celebrated World Water Day and World Meteorological Day 2017 under Nepal National Water and Weather Week (NNWWW)-2017. A national committee was formed  under the chairmanship of Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS), Government of Nepal. This year also about two dozen stakeholders worked together in a single platform to mark the event a grand success. Some of the stakeholders involved were : Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal (National Hydrological and Meteorological Service); Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM)/ Department of Meteorology (DOM), Tri-chandra College, Tribhuvan University; Student Organization of Meteorology (SOM), Tri-chandra College etc. Some of the events that SOHAM involved directly is listed here. 

March 17

• WALAKATHON programme was organized by Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal and  SOHAM-Nepal. The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Madhusudhan Adhikari, Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS).  also joined the programme. On the occasion, government employees including high level officials from WECS and DHM, SOHAM-Nepal members and Student’s Society of Meteorology (SOM), Tri-Chandra College actively participated in the programme. The WALKATHON was started from Maitighar Mandala at 7:15 AM and the mass entered Department of Irrigation, Jawalakhel at 8:00 AM.
• Bicycle Rally was also organized simultaneously under Nepal National Water and Weather Week (NNWWW)-2017. The bicycle rally programme was held by The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) with support from Cycle city Network, Nepal. The route of bicycle cycle ralley was Pathan Durbar Square-Shankhamuk-UN Park Kupondole-Pulchowk- to Jawalakhel, DoI.
• Formal Inauguration of Nepal National Water and Weather Week (NNWWW)-2016 was held at Auditorium Hall of Department of Irrigation (DoI), Lalitpur during 8-10 AM. Mr. Madhusudhan Adhikari, Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) was the chairperson of the programme. Hon. Minister Janardan Sharma, Ministry of Energy was the chief guest of the porgramme. Secretaries, Director Generals, and other distinguished officials from various Government and non-governmental organization, Academician and students from Tribhuvan University attended the programme. Hon. Minister Janardan Sharma, Ministry of Energy also inaugurated Nepal National Water and Weather Week (NNWWW)-2016 by watering the plant. Mr. Ramanand Prasad Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Irrigation, Er. Bhim Prasad Upadhyaya , Secretary, Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation, Mr. Tej Raj Bhatta, Director General, DWSS and Vice Chair of NNWWW 2017, Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and  Vice- Chair of NNWWW 2017, Dr. David James Molden, Director General, International Centre for Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Mr. Madhav Belbase , Joint Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretriate (WECS) and Vice Chair, NNWWW 2017 also spoke on the occasion. 

March 20-21

• Students’ Organization of Meteorology (SOM) with support from SOHAM Nepal and Department of Hydrology and Meteorology celebrated Meteorological Educational Ceremony-2017 at Tri-Chandra College, Ghantaghar on March 20 and 21. The programme was followed by the Inaugural session on the first day. The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). Prof. Dr. Pradeep Bahadur Neupane, Campus Chief, Tri-chandra College, Mr. Narayan Gautam, Head of Department, Tri-chandra College, Mr. Suman Kumar Regmi, Secretary General of SOHAM Nepal and other distinguished personalities were also present during the occasion. The programme comprised series of talk programmes during two days periods (March 20 and March 21).

List of Talk Programmes

1. Climate change and its effects on Glaciers by Mr. Amrit Thapa (ICIMOD)
2. Cloud Burst by Ms. Archana Shrestha (DHM)                                                                 
3. Remote Sensing by Dr. Hemu Kafle (KIAS)
4. Walkers Circulation by Prof. Dr. Lochan Devkota (CDHM,TU)
5. Tree Ring: A tool for climate change studies by Dr. Binod Dawadi (CDHM,  TU) 
6. Western Disturbances by Mr. Barun Paudel (SOHAM)

March 22

• Weather Forecasting Center visit Programme was arranged on March 23. Altogether 15 people (Tri-chandra College students and media person) benefited from the programme. The programme was organized at Weather Forecasting Division of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology located at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

March 23

• Stakeholders Consultation on Hydro-meteorological Services in Nepal and closing ceremony of Nepal National Water and Weather Week -2017 was organized on March 23 at Hotel Yellow Pagoda, Kathmandu.  
• On the first half,  Consultation on Hydro-meteorological Services in Nepal was held. The programme was chaired by Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). Stakeholders and officials from various government and non-government sectors were present during the occasion. Four technical papers were also presented during the session.

1. Understanding Clouds, Mr. Suman Raj Bhattarai, DHM
2. Glimpse of CFGORRP Projects, Mr. Top Bahadur Khatri, NPM, CFGORRP/DHM
3. Modernization of Hydro-meteorological system in DHM, Mr. Saraju Kumar Baidya, DDG/DHM
4. Flood Early Warning System in Nepal, Mr. Binod Parajuli, DHM 

• Closing ceremony of Nepal National Water and Weather Week was inaugurated by Honorable Minister, Mr. Jaya Dev Joshi, Ministry of Population and Environment. The programme was chaired by Mr. Madhusudhan Adhikari, Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS). Stakeholders and officials from various government and non-government sectors were present during the occasion. Distinguished personalities also spoke on the occasion highlighting the importance of water and meteorology day.
• Dr. Hari Man Shrestha, Mr. Kiran Shankar Yogacharya and Prof. Dr. Bidur Prasad Upadhaya was honored by the certificate of appreciation for remarkable contribution in the field of Hydrology, Meteorology and Water resources.
• Ms. Parbati Gurung (Gauge Reader: Chisapani) and Mr. Bhadra Bahadur Thapa (Observer: Kusum) received Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma Disaster Information Award. The award comprises a certification of appreciation with cash amount of Rs. 10,000/- (Ten Thousand).

National Symposium on Hydrology and Meteorology-2016 was organized by Society of Hydrologists and Meteorologists (SOHAM-Nepal) with support from Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal on December 29, 2016 in Kathmandu.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Bishwa Nath Oli, Secretary, Ministry of Population and Environment, Government of Nepal. In the inauguration session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, Vice Chariperson, SOHAM-Nepal, delivered a warm welcome speech. On the occasion, Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and Mr. Ugen Manandhar, Deputy Country Representative, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal gave remarks highlighting the importance  and application of Hydrology and Meteorology. The programme was chaired by  Dr. Jagat Kumar Bhusal, Chairperson, SOHAM-Nepal and also gave a closing remark for inaugural session.

The technical session was followed by inauguration session. The technical session was divided mainly into three groups: Meteorology, Hydrology, and Mountain EVO Research Programme sharing. At first, Prof. Dr. Narendra Man Shakya, Institute of Engineering, Department of Engineering, Tribhuvan University delivered a plenary lecture. There were altogether 10 oral presentations and 3 poster presentations. The technical session was chaired by Dr. Jagadishwor Karmacharya, Mr. Kiran Shankar Yogacharya and Dr. Janak Lal Nayava  for Meteorology, Hydrology, and Mountain EVO Research Programme sharing sessions respectively.

At the end, Mr. Suman Kumar Regmi, General Secretary, SOHAM Nepal, gave vote of thanks and also closed the programme. The programme was conducted in the lecture hall of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.

A Stakeholders Workshop on Mountain EVO research prgramme was conducted at District Development Committee, Mustang, Jomsom on November 13, 2016.  Various representatives from government and non-governmental sectors actively participated in the prgramme. The programme was chaired by Mr. Jagat Kumar Bhusal, Chairperson. On behalf of SOHAM-Nepal, Mr. Suman Kumar Regmi, General Secretary, Mr. Barun Paudel, Secretary, Mr. Santosh Regmi, Researcher, Ms. Praju Gurung, Researcher and Dr. Timos karpouzoglou, Research Fellow,Wageningen University were present during the occasion.

The main purpose of the workshop is to highlight key finding of the three year’s Mountain Environmental Virtual Observatories (EVO) research programme implemented by SOHAM-Nepal with support from Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), District Development Committee (DDC), Mustang, International Hydrological Programme-Nepal (IHP-Nepal) and lead by Imperial College, UK. During the occasion, Mr. Jagat Kumar Bhusal, Mr. Santosh Regmi and Ms. Praju Gurung briefly shared technical finding. Mr. Barun Paudel expressed his opinion on the application of hydrometeorological data for societal benefit. Participants raised several issues addressing water management, pasture land availability, agriculture practice, climate change etc. and their direct impact on the livelihood of the people. At the end, on behalf of DDC, Mustang, Mr. Jeevan Gyanwali expressed vote of thanks. He acknowledged SOHAM-Nepal for conducting three year’s Mountain EVO research programme very successfully and also assured to implement those outcomes as received from Mountain EVO research programme in the government policy and plan on behalf of DDC Mustang.