KATHMANDU, APRIL 4

It would cost Rs 4.50 billion to bring Melamchi Drinking Water Project into operation throughout the year.

At an interaction related to the long-term management of Melamchi Drinking Water Project organised at Singha Durbar today, Executive Director of 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 long-term solution of the project.

Ansari mentioned that it was appropriate to shift head works of the project one kilometer beyond the present intake site for long-term improvement of the project. Water supply of Melamchi project has been stopped after flood occurred on August 1 and 14, 2023, damaged temporary structures constructed earlier. Preparation was underway to shift the head works for 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 study of the cost and managing resources to make project's activities effective.