Melamchi Water Supply Project: Rs 4.50 Billion Investment Needed for Year-Round Operation
In a recent discussion centered on the long-term management of the Melamchi Water Supply Project at Singha Durbar, Zakki Ahmed Ansari, the Executive Director of the Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee, emphasized the necessity of a budget amounting to Rs 4.50 billion to facilitate the continuous year-round operation of the project. Addressing stakeholders, Ansari outlined plans for enhancing the project's infrastructure to ensure sustained functionality throughout all twelve months. He highlighted the imperative of investing in permanent structures to mitigate the recurring challenges faced by the project.
Ansari proposed the relocation of the project's headworks to a site situated one kilometer beyond the current intake location, envisioning this as a strategic measure for long-term project enhancement. The call for such improvements follows the disruption of water supply from the Melamchi River, caused by floods on August 1 and 14, 2023, which inflicted damage upon temporary structures erected earlier. To restore regular project operations, efforts are underway to relocate the headworks, as confirmed by the committee.
However, amidst these efforts for project enhancement, Rishi Pokharel, Chairperson of the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, urged cautious consideration, advocating for a comprehensive study of associated costs and resource management strategies to ensure the effectiveness of project activities.
Meanwhile, Nima Gyaljen Hyolmo, Chairman of the Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok, conveyed a stark warning during the interaction program titled 'Sustainable Management of the Melamchi Water Supply Project.' Hyolmo asserted that the Kathmandu Valley may face a prolonged wait for the Melamchi water supply unless the demands of the local populace are adequately addressed.
The demands of the Melamchi Project and flood-affected communities encompass various measures, including the construction of embankments for river control, safeguarding at-risk settlements, and financial relief measures such as loan waivers for affected individuals. Additionally, the 17-point charter of demands includes provisions for compensation to families of flood victims, facilitation of drinking water access through local governance, and financial grants for housing reconstruction.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the federal government's response to these demands, Hyolmo cautioned of potential repercussions, including the suspension of the Melamchi Project operations, should the grievances remain unaddressed. He emphasized that despite the Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation's plans to relocate the project's headworks for year-round water supply, concerns persist regarding the safety and suitability of the proposed site.
