The Environmental and Social Division (ESD) of National Water Supply & Drainage Board, headed by the Deputy General Manager (Environmental and Social) is reported to the Additional General Manager (Policy & Planning).

The ESD consist of three different sections each headed by an AGM reporting to DGM(Environmental and Social) on the subject matters of (i) Water Resources & Environment, (ii) Ground water Resources and (iii) Social Safeguards, Social inclusiveness and WASH.

Main function of the Environmental and Social Division (ESD):

ESD work towards the environmental sustainability and social responsibility into all key areas of NWSDB in planning, designing, construction and operational activities focusing on safeguarding water quality, ensuring water quantity, integrating climate resilience, environmental and social safeguard while recognising the importance of gender inclusiveness.

The key functions of the ESD are briefed below.

Key Functions:

1. Overall coordination of the Environmental Social Institutional Frame work (ESIF).
2. Support overall coordination at national level with relevant stakeholders for Water Allocation, Water Safety Plans, Disaster Management, Environmental Conservation, Climate Resilience and Community/Social engagement.
3. Monitoring Water Safety Plans and attending Water Safety Audits to ensure safe drinking water.
4. Support Social Safeguards, Social inclusiveness and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH).
5. Contribution in policy development pertaining to Water Resources, Environmental & Social activities at national level.
6. Support for enforcing water-related laws to regulate water use and protect drinking water resources including watersheds.
7. Assistance for feasibility/ EIA studies of river upstream, impounding reservoirs.
8. Capacity development of ESIF activities in coordination with Manpower Development and Training Division (MDTD).