Kathmandu, November 2:

The Kathmandu valley is coping with a daily water shortfall of 60 million litres, according to the Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC). This shortfall,

that too during the season in which water is supposed to be available abundantly shows the gravity of water crisis plaguing the valley.

This season, the NWSC is supplying roughly 160 million litres of water every day, the highest quantum of water it can supply, according to Dr Chandeshwar Shah, spokesperson for the NWSC. The valley needs about 220 million litres of water every day. The NWSC is the major supplier of water for valley denizens.

Official data to ascertain the number of people living in the valley is lacking. Shah said an individual needs about 100 litres of water every day. Presently, people have been coping with the water shortfall of 25 per cent.

Water supply is dwindled during the dry season, Shah noted. “During this season, 110 to 120 million litres of water is supplied every day, which is almost half of the demand.”

According to Shiva Raj Pathak, chief of the NWSC, Lalitpur branch, they have managed to supply roughly half of the quantum of water demanded in Lalitpur. Daily demand for water in Lalitpur is about 60 million, while the supply stands at 30 million roughly. Water is supplied in Lalitpur through systems located in Chapagaun and Pharping.

Besides inadequate supply, the old network of pipelines also causes leakage of water. Pathak said around 30 per cent of water is lost due to pipe leakage.

That is why, many places in the valley are not receiving water on the daily basis. A local of Ghattekulo, Smita Pokharel, said water is supplied to the area on alternate days. That is why, we need need to stock water and economise on its use.

The NWSC is supplying water to its full capacity, Shah said, adding, “The NWSC is collecting water from all sources in the valley.” He added that the shortage can end if water from Melamchi is brought into the valley.

Maintenance and replacement of pipelines will be costly and difficult as many pipelines are laid in narrow roads and alleys, he added.

The real scenario

• Valley needs about 220 million litres of water every day

• This season, the NWSC is supplying roughly 160 million litres of water every day

• An individual needs about 100 litres of water every day.

• Currently, people have been coping up with a water shortfall of 25 per cent

• Water supply during the dry season goes almost half of the demand

• Many places in the valley do not get water on daily basis

• Around 30 per cent of water is lost due to pipe leakage