KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 19
The existing water supply in Kathmandu valley is less than one third of the demand.
Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited distributes around 130 million litres of water on a daily basis against the demand of around 430 million litres.
The supply further goes down in March, April and May as the distribution is around 110 million litres. During rainy season, water distribution reaches up to 160 million litres.
Shortage of drinking water has been a constant issue in Kathmandu valley for decades. Valley denizens are forced to seek alternative sources of water to meet their daily needs as the water supply from the KUKL is insufficient.
Sometimes, the distribution is halted for many days. According to KUKL, 237,000 taps have been installed in the valley. Sometimes, water taps are installed illegally.
Water from Sundarijal, Mahadevkhola, Nakhhu, Shesh Narayan, Hititole, Saatmul, Kuturi, Devaki, Basuki, Balkhu River, Muldole, Charghare, Bishnumati, Panchmane, Chhahare, and Alle have been collected and distributed in Kathmandu.
In some areas, underground water is supplied as water collected from natural resources is insufficient.
At present, underground water is drawn from around 80 locations for distribution. The KUKL is preparing to add around 10 million litres of underground water to its supply from this year.
A study shows that the demand for water increases by some 10 per cent each year in Kathmandu valley. Growing population, rise in physical construction works and depletion of natural water resources have posed challenges to water supply.
A version of this article appears in the print on December 20, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.