Melamchi water distribution commences in Kathmandu valley

KATHMANDU: The highly anticipated Melamchi water distribution is officially commencing today. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is set to inaugurate the historic event from the Prime Minister’s Office at Singha Durbar.

Suresh Acharya, Secretary at the Ministry of Drinking Water, announced that the water distribution would kick off gradually in key areas including Anamnagar, Minbhawan, Mahankal Chaur, Rigni, Bhaktapur, Khumaltar, Balaju, and Bansbari.

The initiative comes after Melamchi water, disrupted by floods and landslides, has been successfully restored to Kathmandu.

The water, released into the tunnel from Ambathan in Sindhupalchowk, reached Sundarijal last Wednesday. Secretary Acharya assured that the quantity of drinking water would be meticulously measured and systematically distributed across all areas of Kathmandu.

Prime Minister Dahal had specifically directed Minister for Drinking Water Mahendra Ray Yadav to expedite arrangements for bringing Melamchi water to the capital.

Responding to these directives, the Ministry of Drinking Water initiated repairs to the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, paving the way for the much-awaited distribution.

The Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee and construction company Sino Hydro reached a crucial agreement on December 19 to expedite the process, vowing to bring Melamchi water to Kathmandu within 28 days.

Approximately 170 million liters of water will be transported daily from Melamchi to address the long-standing water scarcity issues in the capital.

The project faced setbacks when the source area was severely damaged by a flood and landslide in the Melamchi rivulet on June 15, 2021, disrupting regular water distribution.

Despite these challenges, the government has persevered in its efforts to ensure the consistent and reliable supply of Melamchi water to Kathmandu, marking a significant stride towards meeting the water needs of the capital’s residents.