Chiva Chaitya Organization Launches Two-Year Initiative for Water Heritage Conservation in Kathmandu Valley

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Chiva Chaitya Organization Launches Two-Year Initiative for Water Heritage Conservation in Kathmandu Valley

A Hiti in Lalitpur

Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) has officially launched a comprehensive two-year program dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of traditional water systems in the Kathmandu Valley. Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, these systems—locally known as Hitis (stone spouts)—have long served as lifelines of urban water supply and social interaction in the Valley.

This landmark initiative focuses on promotion, awareness, community engagement, youth empowerment, and restoration of Hitis. It aims to reconnect communities with their water heritage and foster sustainable solutions by reviving indigenous water management practices.

The program is generously supported by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). Work at the Hitis of the Kathmandu Valley has been made possible, in part, by support from:

  • The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP)

  • American Express

  • Iron Mountain

  • Tianaderrah Foundation / Nellie and Robert Gipson

Why Hitis Matter

The Hiti system is a unique and highly sophisticated traditional water management network, dating back over a thousand years. Carved stone spouts, fed by an intricate network of underground canals and aquifers, once provided clean water to every corner of the ancient towns of the Kathmandu Valley.

More than just functional structures, Hitis represent a deep cultural and spiritual relationship between people and water. They are intricately linked with rituals, festivals, and daily life, serving as gathering places and symbols of shared responsibility. However, urbanization, neglect, and disruption of natural water sources have left many of these once-vital systems dry or damaged.

By reviving Hitis, CCO aims to contribute not only to water security and urban resilience but also to heritage preservation, climate adaptation, and social cohesion.

A Multi-Pronged Approach

This new initiative will roll out across multiple fronts:

  • Restoration and rehabilitation of selected Hitis

  • Community outreach and education programs to encourage stewardship

  • Youth-led campaigns, workshops, and art projects to build awareness

  • Documentation and knowledge-sharing to preserve and disseminate traditional practices

“We believe that heritage is not just about monuments—it’s about living systems that connect past and future,” said a representative from CCO. “Restoring Hitis is also about restoring trust in communal values and local wisdom.”

Chiva Chaitya Organization thanks all stakeholders including DOA, Kathmandu Municipality, Chief of Ward 25 for their support in materializing this initiative.

CCO also gives special credit to World Monuments Fund and US Ambassadors Fund for Heritage Preservation for supporting this program.

Stay tuned for updates on restoration sites, public events, art exhibitions, and educational campaigns.




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