The Water Crisis

Kathmandu is perpetually parched, especially in dry summer months. The Melamchi is finally starting to supply water but the population of the capital has increased by several fold since the project was first planned over 30 years ago.

Melamchi is still undergoing repairs following the 2021 flash floods that nearly wiped out the $800 million project, and is not working in full capacity. What we are left with are ancient wells and stone spouts built by Mallas four centuries ago, but even these have dried up.

Excerpts of the report published 20 years ago this week on Nepali Times issue #194 30 April – 6 May 2004:

It is the peak dry season, and Kathmandu Valley’s water shortage is acute. In many parts of the capital, water hasn’t flowed through the mains for months.

The only public water supply systems that still work are the ones built by Malla kings 400 years ago. If it wasn’t for the wells and ornate stone spouts in inner city Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Valley’s urbanites wouldn’t have a drop to drink.

At a time when the government has admitted defeat in ever getting water supply to meet rising demand, and the Melamchi project is struck because of the insurgency, it looks like Kathmandu’s 1.3 million people will have to depend on traditional water systems for the foreseeable future…

…Kathmandu Valley’s population is increasing, but supply remains stagnant because of a lack of investment in new storage systems. Furthermore, leakage and wastage in the ageing network of underground pipes mean that the capital’s water situation is bound to worsen…

…Because of a rising population and over-extraction, the Valley’s water table was receding at an average of 40cm a year even back in 1998. The ancient wells are starting to go dry and in some parts of Patan, old ponds have been filled over and turned into parks, thus removing an important element in recharging groundwater.

For archived material of Nepali Times of the past 20 years, site search: nepalitimes.com