KUKL to Augment Kathmandu Water Supply from Bagmati River

Kathmandu. Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) has initiated a process to solve the water supply problem in the valley by utilizing alternative sources in the absence of the Melamchi Water Supply Project.

Executive Director of KUKL, Ramratan Sah, informed about the plan to bring additional water from the Bagmati River in Shivapuri during a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee on Wednesday.

According to Executive Director Sah, after the supply of 18 to 20 crore liters of water daily from Melamchi was stopped, KUKL has expedited a 5-6 year old plan to bring water from the Bagmati River in Shivapuri as part of its search for alternative sources.

The project, which was stalled due to issues with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and rate, has been put on the 'fast track' since Tuesday's meeting with the approval of the EIA report. Currently, 2 crore liters of water are supplied daily from the Bagmati, and its capacity will be increased by expanding the pipeline.

In addition to the previous two 14-inch pipes, the work of adding a new 20-inch pipe has already started from Tuesday. Sah stated that the necessary 200 meters of DI pipes for the project are available with the organization, and the remaining 500mm HDPE pipes will be procured.

The goal is to complete this work within the next three weeks to one month and supply an additional 4 to 5 crore liters of water to the valley. This is expected to provide relief to the areas affected by the Melamchi water supply shortage within the Ring Road.

He said in the meeting, 'Among the water sources in Kathmandu Valley, the Melamchi source provides 18 to 20 crore liters per day. In the situation where this is stopped, in our search for alternative water sources, we had a 5-6 year old plan to bring water from the Bagmati River from Shivapuri, above the Sundarijal Water Treatment Center.'

Clarifying the obstacles and the new start of the project, he added, 'The 5-6 year plan was delayed for various reasons, including the absence of an EIA report, and we had to cancel the tender twice due to rate issues. However, from yesterday, we have put it on the fast track, and the EIA report was also almost passed in yesterday's meeting. I was also present there, and through our efforts yesterday, we have started work from yesterday to increase the volume of water from the Bagmati River in Shivapuri, which is currently 2 crore liters per day, by adding more pipes. Previously, water was supplied through two 14-inch pipes, and we are adding another 20-inch pipe.'

Regarding pipe management and targets, he said, 'We have about 200 meters of DI pipes that we already have, and for the remaining 500mm diameter HDPE pipes, we will procure them through the purchase process. We will achieve this target within a month, within 3 weeks to 1 month. This will add a total of 4 to 5 crore liters, and we are trying to provide some relief to the areas within the Ring Road in Kathmandu Valley where the Melamchi water supply is stopped.'

He also expressed commitment to moving forward with the process of recovering the large amount of outstanding dues owed to KUKL and to immediately resolve the water problem in some houses in Madhyapur Thimi. He also clarified that work will be done in coordination with local levels and ward chairpersons regarding road excavation.