In recent years, the effects of climate change have been deeply felt in Maharajgunj Municipality of Kapilvastu District, Nepal. Prolonged droughts, drying water sources, and erratic rainfall have made water increasingly scarce. When the monsoon does arrive, it often brings sudden floods that damage crops, homes, and livelihoods leaving farming communities trapped between drought and disaster.

*Nazir Miya, a resident of Semari Village in Ward No. 9, has witnessed these changes firsthand. “Water has become seasonal,” he explains. “In the past, water was plentiful. Now, by the end of January, most sources dry up completely, and during the rainy season, we live in fear of floods.”

For years, Nazir and other farmers struggled to survive. During dry periods, underground water levels dropped so low that drilling was ineffective and expensive. Many households were forced to rely on shallow borings and tube wells, draining their limited income while still facing uncertainty about irrigation.

Recognizing this growing crisis, INF Nepal, in joint partnership with Maharajgunj Municipality, established a rainwater collection centre in the 2025. INF contributed NPR 235,000, while the municipality invested NPR 1,000,000 to build a sustainable, community-managed solution.

Located centrally among vulnerable communities including Semari, Bhagwanpur, Aurhawa, and Bhanpur the centre spans over six kachhi bighas of land. It captures excess monsoon runoff and stores it for use during the dry season, transforming a once-destructive force into a life-saving resource.

Today, more than 1,000 kachhi bighas of farmland receive reliable irrigation, directly benefiting over 300 households. Farmers are now able to grow paddy and wheat more productively and no longer spend scarce time and money installing and maintaining tube wells. The saved resources are reinvested into farming and other income-generating activities.

For Nazir, the change has been signifiant. “Now we don’t worry about irrigation,” he says with relief. “We get water when we need it. Even when fields nearby are dry, ours receive regular irrigation.”

The collection centre will soon be reinforced with iron outlets to improve water regulation and protect the structure, ensuring long-term use. The municipality has committed to maintaining the facility as a permanent climate adaptation measure for the community.

For families like Nazir’s, this centre is more than infrastructure it is a lifeline. This is how INF is collaborating with local communities and government to create practical, low-cost solutions to climate change. As Nazir puts it, “Hundreds of people like me can now say no to an uncertain future of misery and yes to relief, resilience, and hope for a better life.”

*Name changed for anonymity

The handover ceremony was officiated by Ghanshyam Bhandari, Minister for Social Development of Karnali Province, alongside Ram Chandra Timothy, Chairman of INF Nepal. The event was also an opportunity to extend special thanks to Dr. Shirley Heywood for her outstanding dedication and contributions to this mission, as well as to the many healthcare workers who have played a role in the centre’s success. Dr. Heywood’s commitment has been instrumental in building and sustaining a service that provides dignity and hope for women in need.

INF Nepal acknowledges the invaluable support of our funding partners, whose contributions have been essential in establishing and maintaining the fistula treatment services over the years. Your support has left a lasting impact, providing accessible healthcare and a better quality of life for affected women.

As INF Nepal hands over operations to the Province Hospital, the organisation remains deeply committed to improving healthcare in the Karnali region, supporting initiatives that align with our mission to bring sustainable and inclusive healthcare to all. We look forward to seeing the Province Hospital continue this vital work, empowered by the foundation laid through our partnership.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping make this vision a reality!

On the night of 11 July 2024, a devastating landslide struck Puranchaur in Pokhara-19, tragically claiming seven lives and causing significant property damage. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, affected the areas of Tallakot Thati and Puraunchaur Danda, covering homes with large volumes of mud.

Local authorities, Nepal Police, and Nepal Red Cross volunteers promptly conducted search and rescue operations. Despite their swift response, seven individuals lost their lives—six in one household and one in a neighbouring house. Additionally, one person sustained injuries but has since been discharged from the hospital. On that night a total of 11 people were killed due to landslides in various locations in Pokhara.

INF Nepal, in collaboration with Asal Chhimekee Nepal, responded quickly to support the affected families in Puranchaur. On 12 July we distributed 36 tarpaulins, P-foam and 18 blankets to provide basic shelter and protection from the rainfall. These supplies were distributed directly to the doorsteps of the most affected families, ensuring they received immediate relief. The affected families are currently staying with relatives due to the fear of further landslides.

The local community remains in shock, with several households evacuating their homes to seek refuge in safer locations. INF Nepal is closely monitoring the situation, with ongoing efforts to provide necessary support and address any additional needs.

The community has expressed gratitude for the immediate support received, highlighting the positive impact of having basic shelter and warmth during this difficult time. Moving forward, INF Nepal will continue to coordinate with local authorities to monitor the situation, gather accurate data on the total number of affected households, and prepare to provide further assistance as needed.

The camps were organised at the Udaypur Health Post of Ward No. 5 and Shisawa Health Post of Ward No. 9, which saw 440 individuals (212 male and 228 female). Among them, eight individuals were suspected of leprosy cases, needing immediate initiation of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), while seven underwent biopsies for further diagnosis.

Various skin conditions were addressed during the camp, highlighting the diverse healthcare needs within the community, including Multibacillary leprosy, type-1 reaction, tinea, eczema, dryness, planta, allergy, scabies, and vitiligo.

The camps were led by a medical team from Green Pastures Hospital, including a dermatologist and lab technologist, supported by a community outreach team and coordinated by the local INF team of Kapilvastu Branch Office.

The primary objective of leprosy screening medical camp is to proactively detect and diagnose individuals suffering from leprosy within a community or population. Identify individuals with early signs and symptoms of leprosy, allowing for prompt treatment initiation and prevention of further transmission and prevention from grade two disability.

Mayor Aftab Alam of Maharajgunj Municipality thanked the INF team, acknowledging their dedication to addressing neglected issues within Kapilvastu.

We are also thankful to the local officials, including Mayor Abdul Kalam, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 9 Pharid Ahamud Muhammad, Leprosy Focal Person of Maharajgunj municipality Radheshyam Kalwar, Health Unit In-charge Iswari Prasad Neupane, and Chief of the Health Office in Kapilbastu Narayan Prasad Chaudhary for all their support and collaboration. Their positive assessment affirmed the programme’s effectiveness in addressing crucial healthcare needs within the community.