Precaution In Melamchi

At a time when Melamchi Water Supply Project was working to ensure water supply in a sustainable manner, with round-the-year supply plan, the project has taken monsoon precaution and closed the intake gate for the peak monsoon season. The step is necessary amid increasing rainfall trend and the fact that large amount of debris has piled up in the upstream areas of the Melamchi river.

However, the manner in which rain falls makes a difference and the gates will open once clear water starts flowing in the source river. If not round the year, the project officials say that water supply can be ensured for about 300 days (ten months) of the year through quick fixes made to the water intake and transfer, sand silting and other structures. Given the difficulties the project experienced as a result of the devastating floods in the Melamchi River two years ago, the planned work can be a good step in water supply. The monsoon triggered destructive flash floods had destroyed the original water intake system which urgently demanded the reconstruction of water diversion mechanism, tunnel work and intake system for a medium-term solution before relocating the original headwork. 

Additional works are undertaken on the existing headwork structure to ensure the water supply in the capital valley until the permanent relocation of this water inlet structure is completed. The cost of shifting the headwork is estimated to range from Rs. 80 million to Rs. 500 million. As of the previous fiscal year, the Melamchi Water Supply Development Board had received investments totaling more than Rs. 30.5 billion.

This sum covers costs for acquiring 1,900 ropanis of land, social upliftment initiatives, environmental impact assessments at various phases, thorough planning, and building access road. The Project Implementation Directorate incurred costs in the same range to provide water to every residence in Sundarijal. In addition, the floods of the early monsoon of 2021 caused physical damage of Rs. 2 billion.  The floods had seriously damaged the estuary dam, intake structure, and headworks of the project.

Though the intake gate has been closed for precaution and safety, experts have said that the likelihood of a similar flood like that of two years ago is minimal as the river's water level receded by six meters compared to the previous year. Before the latest decision to close the gate, inlet used to be closed when the river water was muddy and opened when the water was clear. Experts forecast below-average monsoon precipitation for this year but things should not be left to chances and there should be precautions for unexpected events. Despite the difficulties, building an access road to the estuary is still essential for guaranteeing a steady supply of water. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had expressed the government's commitment to address this issue while inspecting the road leading to the Melamchi estuary recently. However, the human cost of the flood cannot be overlooked, with lives lost and extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. Comprehensive risk management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and providing aid to the flood victims.

The project is continuing study and monitoring to enhance its effectiveness and resilience. There is also a plan of bringing water from the Yangri and Larke rivers. Geologist Shiv Kumar Baskota has emphasised the region's susceptibility to climate change effects and the need for proactive measures against landslides, floods and possible glacial bursts. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and invest in strategies to mitigate these risks effectively. The Melamchi Water Supply Project is a national pride project, and it holds abundant importance, aiming to resolve capital city's water problem.