KARNALI APPROACH: ROLE OF WATER AND SANITATION GOVERNANCE
The abstract presents recommendations that aim to foster development, equality, and inclusivity in the water and sanitation sectors, building upon existing policies and laws. Implementing these recommendations will contribute to equitable access, social justice, and sustainable development in the sector. Key recommendations include integrating various dimensions into water and sanitation development, enforcing the Constitution of Nepal 2015 for equal rights and social justice, adopting inclusive and participatory approaches outlined in the Local Governance Operation Act 2017, incorporating the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Operational Guidelines 2017 into WASH programs, aligning the Nepal WASH Sector Development Plan with the SDGs, and effectively implementing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Act 2079 and the WASH Act of municipalities to ensure citizens' rights and prioritize equity and inclusivity. The KARNALI approach recommends, emphasizing stakeholder involvement, community empowerment, and sustainability for effective water and sanitation governance, including needs assessment, resource utilization, knowledge sharing, barrier removal, and innovation.