World Environment Day 2024
Wednesday 5th June 2024 marks World Environment Day, the theme this year is Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.
The effects of the rising global temperature have been seen across the globe and this has been no different in Nepal. Here at GWT, we are working hard to ensure that all Gurkha veterans and their communities in Nepal have access to clean, safe water.
77-year-old Gurkha veteran, Gopal Kumar Rai, served with the 7th Gurkha Rifles between 1965 and 1975. Following his departure from the Army, Gopal moved back to his home village of Chyanga in Katari to the South East of Nepal, where he now lives with his wife Muhamaya, his son, daughter-in-law and their two children.
Gopal’s home was served by a Nepal government water project, however this was constructed many years ago and the water source has since dried up, resulting in only half an hour’s supply in a three to four day period during the dry season.
The situation has become significantly worse this year so Gopal has been granted a GWT hardship grant to allow an emergency individual water project to be carried out.
A water source was located 500m from Gopal’s home some 30 feet underground and pipes were laid up to his home. A pump was installed to bring the water through into a water tank, which supplies a tap stand by Gopal’s house as well as his toilet.
“I feel proud of being an ex Brigade Gorkha soldier! I received an earthquake resilient house before – and now a very reliable water supply.”
When Gopal was told that this project was funded by GWT, he asked for his heartfelt gratitude to be passed on to the supporters in the UK.