Table 1 The design principles in irrigation management in Lo-manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
SN | Designed Principles | Ghenba in Lo-manthang |
|---|---|---|
1 | Defined boundaries | Very specific in the command area, position and turns are fixed for the responsibility of the head, and assistant |
2 | Provisional equivalence between benefits and costs | Proportional distribution of water and cost (labor, material) for maintenance of irrigation system |
3 | Collective choice arrangements | Collectively decided for amendment of rules, if a disagreement occurs, the final decision is made by the King. The senior Lama of Gomba may be invited during the decision-making process |
4 | Monitoring | Day and night, by chhime in two days turn, during the water pressure /scarcity and time requiring protection of crops from livestock |
5 | Graduated sanction | Fines are fixed in rules, also forgiveness provision is there and is implemented in the specific context |
6 | Conflict resolution mechanisms | Two midis, a judge, respected/trusted by locals, and familiar with the customary law and who can ensure a rational justice to the village, work for conflict resolution. One midi is appointed by the King and another one from the village head. Meetings of the ghenpa are held weekly to discuss the issues that emerged and identified. Village assembly and the King are invited, depending upon the types and nature of the cases |
7 | Minimal recognition of rights to organize | This irrigation system is enduringly autonomous and tied to the local culture, and their livelihoods, no external governing body like a formal local council such as Rural Municipality, the district court, or other rules of the state can influence, except material support |
8 | Nested enterprises | Single tier but when required, multiple nested enterprises are activated |
9 | Equity | Allocation of water, information sharing, conflict management, transparency, and accountability in front of the village assembly and the King, which is done before taking the next turn to another group |
10 | Role of religious value and rituals | Sakaluka and Yartung are well associated, a wider extent of irrigation as headship takes the responsibility of crop harvest, which checks crop situation and collectively decide the date of harvesting |