Clean water accessibility is a concerning issue brought by the alarming rate of population growth. The addition of more heads to the already existing seven billion humans compels researchers to rethink the management of water sources to address the global need. At this crucial time, Yadu Pokhrel – assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) is conducting a research on freshwater system management. 

Pokhrel is a recipient of the National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award. He received the prestigious award for his research on freshwater systems management. In a conversation with msutoday, Professor Venkatesh Kodur of MSU claimed, “Pokhrel’s CAREER Award is a prestigious recognition of his international advocacy.”

The site further claimed that the prize money of $ 500,000 would be used to continue Pokhrel’s research in freshwater systems management. Pokhrel is conducting his research in the Mekong River Basin which shares territory with seven different countries including China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. 

Speaking to msutoday, Pokhrel said, “The goal of this project is to advance the research and education of water resource sustainability in managed land-water systems. The project will use the Mekong River Basin in Southeast Asia as a testbed, where climate change, river flow alterations by proliferating hydropower dams and seawater intrusion due to sea level rise are directly affecting agricultural systems, fisheries, and human livelihoods.” 

The team involved in the project is scheduled to study about the potential of a suite of hydrological, agricultural and ecological models to systematically examine trade-offs between hydropower and irrigation upstream for food and energy production and adverse downstream effects on rivers, floodplains, and groundwater systems. 

Pokhrel, a Kathmandu native, studied intermediate in civil engineering in Pokhara then complited graduation in engineering from Pulchowk Engineering Campus. After graduation, he moved to Japan to pursue his masters from the University of Tokyo.