With the rise in mercury, the drinking water problem has resurfaced in Baitadi creating unwarranted difficulties for the locals. 

The depleting water resources have caused drinking water problems in Melauli Municipality-2 and Salena-6 in particular. 

The failure to repair and operate the old drinking water project compounded with a rise in the population. “We have to head to a place located at an hour’s walking distance to fetch water,” local villager Madhu Bhatta shared. He added that the villagers are compelled to go to faraway locations for drinking water and even drink contaminated water. 

The drinking water project developed three decades ago and which supplies water from Gwalekh source in Dasharathchand Municipality to Melauli is in a derelict condition and need of repair. The jeeps, horses and mules are being used as means to transport water to Melauli Bazaar. Bhatta shared that the hotel operators, in particular, are facing a major problem of drinking water. 

Deepa Joshi said she has to walk for an hour to a well to fetch water. 

“The water in the wells of the villages has also dried up and this has created problems for us,” she said. 

Health Post in-charge Narayan Chand said the villagers are also facing problems in maintaining hygiene due to lack of water.