Kathmandu: Minister for Water Supply, Pradip Yadav, has announced that the Melamchi drinking water will be continuously available in Kathmandu even during the monsoon season. Minister Yadav made this statement while inspecting a water tank set up near the Ribarma River in Sindhupalchwok on Monday.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Yadav emphasized that the water tank had been established as an alternative solution to maintain a consistent supply through the Melamchi Drinking Water Project. This initiative aims to prevent any water shortages for the residents of Kathmandu. The water tank’s successful testing is a crucial step towards ensuring a steady water supply in the region.
The tank’s construction was prompted by previous disruptions caused by floods in the Melamchi River, which had affected the water supply during monsoon. Minister Yadav reiterated the government’s commitment to a sustainable water supply for the Kathmandu Valley.
Executive Director and engineer at the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, Ratna Prasad Lamichhane, highlighted that the system is capable of supplying 50 to 70 million litres of water daily to Kathmandu from the Ribarma via the Melamchi tunnel. This infrastructure development aims to prevent water shortages in the valley.
Lamichhane also assured that the necessary physical infrastructures have been prepared to facilitate the water transfer from the river to the Melamchi tunnel, thereby maintaining a regular supply to Kathmandu. He added that the tunnel and distribution system have been reinforced to avoid any potential disruptions.
The Melamchi flood, which occurred four years ago, had severely impacted locals and damaged critical infrastructure, including the Melamchi Water Supply Project. Since then, interruptions in water supply have been a recurring issue, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the residents of Kathmandu.