Melamchi drinking water to flow into Kathmandu before Dashain

KATHMANDU: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has announced that Melamchi water will reach Kathmandu before Ghatasthapana, the start of the Dashain festival. This follows a directive from Water Supply Minister Pradip Yadav to resume Melamchi water supply to the capital ahead of Dashain, with preparations for the diversion now in the final stages.

Water supply from Melamchi to Kathmandu had been halted since June 24 due to concerns over muddy water during the monsoon and the potential for flood damage. However, with the reduced risk of floods, the committee is now preparing to restore water distribution as per the plan. This will mark the return of Melamchi water to Kathmandu after a three-month hiatus.

The Executive Director of the Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee, Ratna Lamichhane, confirmed that a team of staff has been deployed to ensure the smooth transfer of Melamchi water to Kathmandu. “We are working to bring Melamchi water to Kathmandu by the second week of October. In line with this, we are also repairing damaged water pipelines in the capital,” said Lamichhane.

Kathmandu Valley’s daily water demand is around 430 million liters, and before the monsoon shutdown, 170 million liters of Melamchi water were being supplied daily. Once the supply resumes, approximately 200 million liters of water per day will be brought from the Melamchi River in Sindhupalchowk to Kathmandu.

To ensure a year-round supply of Melamchi water, preparations are underway to relocate the current intake to a new location, 800 meters away in the Sirkhatli area. Additionally, 1,700 kilometers of new pipelines have been laid across the Kathmandu Valley to support the distribution of Melamchi water.