Status of Water Sources and Its Impact on Livelihood Practices in Sardhukhola Watershed of Eastern Nepal (Sunsari)

Watershed resources are the foundation of ecosystem integrity and livelihoods of mountain people. In this regard, this study entitled "status of water sources and its impact on livelihood practices in the Sardhukhola watershed of Eastern Nepal" was carried out to understand the status of water resources and its impact on rural livelihood practices. This study was conducted in Sardhukhola Watershed of Sunsari district. This research was conducted to know the present status of the water source around Sardhu River, including its trend of availability, human interventions and it’s overall. This study analyses the change in cropping pattern within watershed. Both field observation and social survey were carried out during research work. Finding of this study shows that sources of water have been decreasing such as rivers, wells and water springs are being degraded. Frequent occurrence of landslide, sedimentation and seepage of water in both upstream and downstream as well as household garbage and improper infrastructure development are seen to be the major reasons behind the degradation. There is an increasing gap between demand and supply of water resources and people are expected to face severe scarcity of drinking water in the near future. After earthquake of 2015, water availability within the watershed is also found to be decreasing. Moreover, there is a weak co-ordination between upstream and downstream people to solve the major issue of watershed. Nevertheless people are interested to be involved in payment for ecosystem services mechanism, especially for proper water supply.Key words: Upstream, Downstream, Payment for Ecosystem Service, Degradatio