Kathmandu, April 5
It would cost Rs 4.50 billion to run the Melamchi Drinking Water Project throughout the year.
At an interaction related to the long-term management of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project organised at Singha Durbar on Thursday, the Executive Director of the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, Zakki Ahmed Ansari, said it would cost Rs 4.50 billion for the improvement of the project.
Preparation was underway to bring water from the Melamchi river in Helambu of Sindhupalchok district to Kathmandu Valley in all 12 months by improving the project, he shared, adding it would cost Rs 4.50 billion to construct permanent structures for a long-term solution of the project.
Ansari mentioned that it was appropriate to shift the head works of the project one kilometre beyond the present intake site for the long-term improvement of the project. The water supply of the Melamchi project has been stopped after floods occurred on August 1 and 14, 2023, damaging temporary structures constructed earlier. Preparation was underway to shift the head works for the regular operation of the project, according to the committee.
Chairperson of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Rishi Pokharel, suggested forwarding the improvement plans only after carrying out a study of the cost and managing resources to make the project’s activities effective.
