Dhauligad water supply project progressing rapidly

By Netra Shahi,Jumla, Jan. 19: The construction work for the ambitious Dhauligad Water Supply Project, a pride project of Jumla, is progressing rapidly. 

According to the Federal Water Supply and Sewerage Management Office, Jumla, around 68 per cent of the project has been completed so far.

Engineer Ashok Acharya said that work on Phases 1 and 2 of the largest water supply project in Jumla is on-going. Phase 1 has achieved 67 per cent physical progress, while Phase 2 has reached 70 per cent. 

Phase 1 focuses on tasks such as laying pipelines to households, installing water taps and constructing water tanks. Meanwhile, Phase 2 involves the construction of a 70-kilometre transmission line from the source.

The contracts for the project were signed on March 17, 2022, with Kalika-Cab-Kankai JV Construction Private Limited for Phase 1 and on June 30, 2022, with Cab Construction Private Limited for Phase 2. While work was initially delayed by almost a year due to various issues from residents of Ward No. 4, the issues have now been resolved and progress has resumed.

According to the office, the deadline for Phase 1 has been extended, with all necessary documents submitted to the central authority. However, challenges remain, including land disputes delaying the construction of water tanks. Of the planned 13 tanks, only two have been completed so far.

Jyotish Kumar Mishra, Chief of the Federal Water Supply and Sewerage Management Office, said that the Dhauligad Water Supply Project is set to advance quickly. While logistical challenges such as road access for transporting materials persist, the use of helicopters is being considered to overcome these hurdles.

Residents of Jumla have long suffered from water shortages. The people eagerly await the completion of the Dhauligad project. Villages like Ranka and Baira in Tatopani Rural Municipality continue to face severe water scarcity. 

Raj Bahadur Mahat, Chairperson of Jumla’s Civil Society, stressed that the project is a dream for the people of Jumla and its timely completion is crucial for ensuring adequate water supply.

The Federal Water Supply and Sewerage Management Office has also announced plans for other water projects in Jumla, including the Kanakasundari Water Supply Project, the Raralihi Comprehensive Water Supply Project and the Patarasi Comprehensive Water Supply Project.

With a target of providing water to over 8,000 households, the Dhauligad project was approved with a budget of Rs. 1.26 billion. The contract for the first phase amounts to Rs. 141.55 million, while the second phase has a budget of Rs. 370.7 million.

Dipesh Shah, the contact person for Kalika-Cab-Kankai JV, expressed confidence that the project would be completed without further delays.