Consultancy - Ground Water Recharge

IFRC BRC opened a position to provide Consultancy Service for Assessment of Groundwater and Sustainable Recharge Pond Design Project  and  establishment  of ground water table network monitoring system in Kailali, Far-western Terai and Chure Hills of Nepal

Interested candidates should submit their application material (as mentioned in ToR) by Wednesday, 04 June 2025, to the following e-mail: aliza.baidya@ifrc.org

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultancy Service for Assessment of Groundwater and Sustainable Recharge Pond Design Project  and  establishment  of ground water table network monitoring system in Kailali, Far-western Terai and Chure Hills of Nepal

Summary

Background 

IFRC British Red Cross (BRC), in partnership with Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) and National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) is implementing a multi-year project on climate-smart livelihoods, biodiversity conservation through nature-based solution across the ecologically sensitive Chure Hills region of Nepal's far-western Kailali District, benefiting communities and ecosystems in the municipalities of Chure rural, Godawari, Tikapur, Bhajani, and Dhangadi. The project aims to empower communities to develop climate-smart livelihoods through Nature-based Solutions, ensuring a sustainable future both for inhabitants and endangered species. One of the major outputs of the project is to support local governments and communities of project areas for better disaster preparedness (lives, livelihoods, biodiversity and environmental protection), through establishment or early warning systems for better understanding and predicting drought impacts  Based on the findings we initiated the ground recharge ponds construction for recharging the grounds water and to increase the gravity source capacity for water supply. Also the greenery like plantation has been done at the water source site for restoration of forest and wet land and pit land has been increased.In this context, BRC would like to commission a detailed assessment of groundwater conditions of the project areas to design and implement MAR( Managed Aquifer Recharge ) techniques and appropriate scales as an adaptation measure to climate change, causing water scarcity based on feasibility studies outlines above given available capacity and resources.

Rationale of the Study

The IFRC British Red Cross has commissioned an ecosystem assessment of the project area.

This study highlights the critical hydrological connection between the upstream (northern) and downstream (southern) areas. 

In the northern region, groundwater is naturally replenished, particularly through the Bhabar zone, while in the southern region, this groundwater is gradually discharged. The riverbed materials in the upstream originate from the Chure Range, contributing to the recharge process.

However, any disruption or contamination of the groundwater system can significantly impact both the quality and availability of water. Groundwater is essential for supplying drinking water, supporting agriculture, and sustaining aquatic ecosystems.

The downstream region faces several environmental challenges, including streambed expansion, sedimentation, riverbank erosion, rising riverbeds, declining agricultural productivity, and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns. These changes have led to more frequent flash floods and extended drought periods, posing serious risks to both human and ecological systems.The Terai and Chure Hills are intricately linked both geographically and hydrologically, forming a complex hazard-prone landscape:

• The Terai region of Kailali, being low-lying and agriculturally intensive, is highly susceptible to flooding, waterlogging, and drought. Its proximity to major rivers such as the Karnali and Mahakali, along with smaller rivers from the Chure Hills, increases seasonal flood risks.
• The Chure Hills (also known as the Siwalik Hills) are characterized by steep terrain, making them prone to landslides, erosion, and flash floods. Droughts in this region severely impact watershed health and downstream water availability.Together, these interconnected regions face a dynamic and evolving set of environmental challenges, necessitating integrated planning, robust monitoring, and community-based adaptation strategies.

As Groundwater is the preferred source of water supply due to its high quality and minimal treatment requirements compared to surface water. Additionally, groundwater remains more accessible during dry seasons and requires lower extraction costs, while its quality remains relatively stable throughout the year. It is stored in two types of aquifers: shallow and deep. Shallow aquifers, found at depths of up to 50 meters, are easily recharged as surface water readily penetrates them. In contrast, deep aquifers extend beyond 50 meters and have different recharge characteristics.

Monitoring groundwater levels and identifying recharge and non-recharge areas can facilitate better data collection, evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and environmental pro-tection. These efforts also support policy development, quality assurance, and future initiatives such as the installation of early warning systems to improve drought prediction by analyzing underground water fluctuations. Groundwater monitoring and recharge initiatives can generate valuable insights, including:.

1. Groundwater Analysis and Future Projections: Conducting data-driven assessments to examine groundwater levels, recharge trends, and future availability across districts and river basins.
2. Recharge Pond Design and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developing site-specific designs for recharge ponds and establishing clear guidelines to optimize groundwater replenishment as per the location.
3. Policy and Governance Framework for Groundwater Management: Creating policies and action plans to support local and provincial governments in ensuring the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources.
4. Integrated Early Warning System for Groundwater Risks: Establishing proactive monitoring systems to detect issues such as declining water levels, contamination, and over-extraction, helping to prevent droughts and mitigate water-related emergencies.
5. Water Resource Management and Ecosystem Protection: Implementing strategies to safeguard groundwater ecosystems and ensure water availability for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use.
6. Groundwater Quality and Contamination Assessment: Evaluating water quality by testing for biological and chemical contaminants, including heavy metals such as iron, manganese, and arsenic.
7. Groundwater Dependency and Sustainable Usage Strategies: Assessing reliance on groundwater and proposing measures to protect its availability as a primary water source across various sectors.
8. Environmental Impact of Groundwater Extraction: Examining the ecological consequences of groundwater usage to maintain environmental balance and support long-term sustainability.

Objective

IFRC/British Red Cross is commissioning this consultancy service to assess the ground water system and for planning and design to construction methodology, monitoring, and evaluation techniques of recharge ponds and ground water systems.

Click on the link below for the detailed TOR:

Terms of Reference_ Ground Water Recharge

Application Procedures

Interested candidates should submit their application material by 4th June, 2025 to the following e-mail: aliza.baidya@ifrc.org

Please put Application for “Consultancy Service for Assessment of Groundwater and Sustainable Recharge Pond Design Project  and  establishment  of ground water table network monitoring system in Kailali, Far-western Terai and Chure Hills of Nepal” in the subject heading. Application materials are non-returnable and only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the next step in the application process. 

Documents: (made available to Consultancy firm before start of the consultancy)

• Project concepts note/proposal
• Logical Framework of Action
• Information from data base system of the existing programmes (if required) 
• Other information (if required) as per mutual agreement.