Inaugurating the Kathmandu Valley Distribution Network Improvement Works on Wednesday, Minister of Urban Development Narayan Khadka expressed commitment to complete all the distribution networks before the completion of the much awaited Melamchi water project. “We have to be prepared to carry and compliment the Melamchi water which will come into service by April 2016,” said Khadka. Amid the program, the first construction brick of the pipeline for Distribution Network Improvement (DNI) was laid in Mahadevsthan, Koteshwor. The DNI will be carried out on the basis of District Metering Area to analyse performance of the water system.

The government has reportedly given the nod to construct a water diversion tunnel and treatment plant. According to the plan, water from Melamchi will be transferred through tunnel and stockpiled in various reservoirs before being supplied to consumers. The reservoirs, with a capacity of 50 million litres each, will be constructed in Arubari, Mahankal Chaur, Bansbari, Balaju, Pani Pokhari, Khumaltar, Katunje, Tigni and Kirtipur.

Water authorities believe Melamchi river is considered the most viable long-term alternative to fulfill the increasing demands of water supply in the valley, with the government also considering it a national priority project. In the first phase, about 170 MLD of fresh water will be diverted into Sundarijal from Melamchi River in Helambu VDC through the 26.21 km diversion tunnel. Melamchi Water Supply Project is recommencing the halted tunnel construction work and aims to distribute Melamchi water to the people of Kathmandu upon its within 36 months.