In a significant move to enhance water quality in Kathmandu’s hospitality industry, the District Hotel Business Entrepreneurs, Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Water Industry Association jointly organized an interactive program today at Hotel Royal Boutique, Airport, Kathmandu with a shared commitment to supply premium quality water through advanced purification and packaging systems. The event focused on the need for stringent quality control in drinking water and a shift toward natural spring water for hotels and the general public.
Emphasis on Clean, Natural Spring Water
During the interaction, long discussions were held on the various types and standards of drinking water, its health implications, and the collective responsibility of both the hotel and water industries to ensure safe consumption. The event saw the presence of notable figures including the leadership of the District Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Kathmandu, advisor Mr. P.K. Sherpa, Mr. Surya Bahadur Khati, President of the Balaju Hotel Business Association , and Mr. Laxman Bhandari, a member of the Hotel Business Federation, who also shared his thoughts during the discussion.
President of District Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Mr. Suresh Baral, strongly emphasized the need to stop the widespread distribution of underground borehole water in the market. He stated, “Despite Nepal being a country rich in water resources, we are still filtering and distributing water extracted from borewells under the name of ‘mineral water’. This practice should be stopped immediately. Only natural spring water should be collected, treated, and supplied.”
He also criticized the current proliferation of low-quality bottled and jarred water, urging for a complete shift to high-quality, premium jars and bottles. “In order to ensure the health of consumers and the reputation of the hospitality sector, we must stop the use of substandard packaging and promote safe, premium-grade alternatives,” he added.
Nepal Water Industry Federation Backs the Move
President of the Nepal Water Industry Federation, Mr. Bikram Chemjong Limbu, also addressed the gathering. He assured attendees that the water industry is fully committed to maintaining purity and international standards in drinking water. He highlighted the advancements being made globally in water purification technology and expressed the desire to introduce such innovations in Nepal as well.
“Nepal is blessed with pristine water flowing from the Himalayas. We aim not only to make this natural water accessible to Nepalese citizens but also to export it to the international market as a high-value product,” said Mr. Limbu. He further reiterated the need to replace borehole water with naturally sourced spring water, thereby preserving public health and environmental sustainability.
Strong Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Impact
Gokul Thapa, President of the Kathmandu Water Industry Association, echoed these sentiments and stressed the association’s ongoing dedication to uphold water purity and ensure ethical business practices. “We are committed to providing high-quality water and supporting all stakeholders in the value chain. Ensuring clean and safe water is not just a regulatory issue but a social responsibility we must all take seriously,” he said.
Both Mr. Limbu and Mr. Thapa pledged their associations’ readiness to work closely with the District Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Kathmandu in the coming days to ensure premium-level water supply across hotels in the capital. They emphasized that their cooperation would focus not only on water quality but also on regulatory compliance, public education, and long-term infrastructure improvements.
Shared Vision for the Future
All stakeholders involved in the interaction agreed on one point: a collective, coordinated approach is essential for improving water quality in Kathmandu. The event concluded with a formal commitment by both the hotel and water associations to collaborate strategically, promoting transparency, best practices, and accountability.
Advisor Mr. P.K. Sherpa and President of the Balaju Hotel Business Association, Mr. Surya Bahadur Khati, congratulated both associations for initiating such timely dialogue and pledged their support for implementation at the ground level. They highlighted that safe drinking water is not just a consumer demand but a key component of tourism growth and public health in the Kathmandu Valley.
The event marks a milestone in efforts to overhaul Kathmandu’s drinking water supply standards, especially in the hospitality sector. As Nepal continues to expand its tourism infrastructure and urban growth accelerates, initiatives like this signal a promising future where quality, sustainability, and business interests align for the betterment of all.
