LocationsA Blueprint for Gandaki’s Future
June 2, 2026
The Government of Gandaki Province has launched its first State of Environment Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions, trends and challenges across the province. Prepared by the Province Policy and Planning Commission (PPPC) with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the report establishes an environmental baseline to inform planning, budgeting and investment decisions.
The report comes at a time when Gandaki Province is facing increasing environmental pressures from climate change, rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, changing land-use patterns and growing demand for water, energy and other natural resources.
Prepared using the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) framework, the report assesses key sectors including climate change, air quality, forests and biodiversity, water resources, land and soil health, urban environments, waste management, energy and industry.
The findings indicate growing environmental risks across the province. More than 1,400 square kilometres of land are exposed to flood hazards. The report also highlights rising temperatures, drying springs in hill areas, deteriorating air quality in urban centres and increasing pressure on forests, water resources and ecosystems. In addition, it identifies significant environmental data gaps that need to be addressed to strengthen planning, monitoring and decision-making.
Presenting the report's key findings, Mr. Vijaya P. Singh, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, emphasized that environmental sustainability is closely linked to the province's development priorities. He noted that environmental risks increasingly affect the performance of key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, hydropower, infrastructure and urban development. Alongside identifying challenges, the report provides recommendations to strengthen environmental governance, improve monitoring systems, support ecosystem restoration, promote clean energy and enhance climate resilience.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, highlighted the importance of strengthening environmental data systems and using evidence to inform policy and planning. "We must address the critical data gaps identified in the report. Strengthening environmental data systems at both municipal and provincial levels is essential for informed decision-making and effective development planning," she said.
"With this launch, Gandaki Province has become the first province in Nepal to develop such a report, and I hope it will be promoted as a model for other provinces."Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative, UNDP Nepal
Province Secretary Mr. Mohan Raj Kafle noted that the report comes at an important time as the provincial government prepares future plans and policies. He said the findings will provide valuable evidence to support climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development.
The report recommends integrating environmental considerations into planning and budgeting processes, strengthening environmental monitoring systems, protecting water resources and ecosystems, improving waste management and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy.
The findings are expected to support provincial and local governments in aligning development priorities with environmental sustainability and climate resilience. As Gandaki Province continues to implement its development agenda, the report provides an evidence base to support informed policy, planning and investment decisions.
Dr. Krishna Chandra Devkota, Vice Chair of the Province Policy and Planning Commission (PPPC), said the report represents an important step toward strengthening evidence-based governance in Gandaki Province. He added, "The State of Environment Report provides, for the first time, a consolidated picture of the province's environmental status, trends and challenges."
"It will serve as a reference for provincial and local governments in planning, budgeting and prioritizing investments, while helping ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into the province's development agenda."Dr. Krishna Chandra Devkota, Vice Chair, Province Policy and Planning Commission (PPPC), Gandaki Province
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Gandaki Province in translating the report's findings into concrete action. Beyond policy support, UNDP continues to work with provincial and local partners on climate resilience, waste management, circular economy initiatives and disaster risk reduction. This includes a major new programme to reduce the risk of glacial lake outburst floods in the Marsyangdi watershed through investments in early warning systems and risk reduction measures.
As Gandaki charts its development pathway, the newly launched State of Environment Report offers something increasingly valuable in a rapidly changing world: a clear understanding of where the province stands today and what must be done to safeguard its future.
For Gandaki Province, the report is not simply a record of environmental conditions. It is a blueprint for ensuring that prosperity and sustainability advance hand in hand.
