The Kathmandu Valley is grappling with a critical issue as it struggles to meet the increasing demand for drinking water.
According to the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited KUKL, despite a daily demand of approximately 470 million liters, only about 270 million liters, including the Melamchi drinking water project, are being distributed. This shortage, compounded by uneven distribution of Melamchi water, has left consumers in distress.
Year after year, certain parts of the Kathmandu Valley experience drinking water shortages, particularly during the dry season. Residents had hoped for improved access to water with the introduction of the Melamchi water supply. However, even with the distribution of Melamchi water, shortages persist, leaving consumers in a state of distress. Scarce Melamchi water often goes to waste, exacerbating the problem.
The water from the Melamchi project is delivered to consumers through pipelines that have been in use for a considerable period. However, these pipelines were designed to cater to the needs of a smaller population when Kathmandu had a smaller demographic. As the population continues to grow, the existing pipelines fall short of meeting the increased demand. The Limited acknowledges that while there may be ample water supply in some areas, inadequate infrastructure hampers effective distribution. Efforts are underway to lay new pipelines in Melamchi, but interim alternative solutions are not currently feasible.
Just five years ago, the daily demand for drinking water in Kathmandu Valley stood at around 40 crores, with a supply of approximately 17 crores. However, due to rapid urbanization and population growth, the current demand has soared to around 470 million liters per day. Unfortunately, the Limited can only distribute about 60% of the available water, sourced from natural springs and the newly added Melamchi supply. Acknowledging the shortfall, the Limited concedes the urgent need to address this issue.
Adding to the predicament, this year’s heavy rains have caused disruptions in the Melamchi water supply. As a result, the Limited has resorted to treating and distributing water from the Bagmati River. However, these alternative measures are temporary and do not fully address the overall water scarcity issue.
The inadequate distribution of drinking water in the Kathmandu Valley has emerged as a pressing concern, with only 60% of the daily demand being met. The need for immediate action to upgrade infrastructure and improve water supply capacity is evident. As the Limited continues its efforts to tackle this challenge, the residents of Kathmandu Valley anxiously await a comprehensive and sustainable solution to their water woes.