KATHMANDU: Lawmakers have urged the government and the concerned ministry to enhance people’s access to the drinking water and make it a means of income as well.

The lawmakers said this while putting forth their views on the bill designed to manage drinking water and sanitation. The discussion on the bill was held by the Development and Technology Committee under the House of Representatives on Thursday. The government, as they suggested, needs to protect water sources, stop depletion of underground water and ensure drinking water to all citizens.

On the occasion, Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Bina Magar, made it clear that the bill was brought to ensure pure drinking water to all people and maintain sanitation. It was also for the institutional development on drinking water and sanitation, the Minister argued, adding, “Water resource will be protected and distribution of water well managed.”

Committee member Ganesh Pahadi reminded that the sources of water had dried in various hilly districts after the earthquake, so government needs to work in this regard.

Rajendra Kumar KC and Bahadur Singh Lama stressed that drinking water could also be linked to generating income in addition to its use as basic need.

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has recorded that more than 80 percent of people have access to drinking water in the country. The constitution has also mentioned the drinking water and sanitation under the fundamental rights.

The government tabled the bill in the parliament, which later saw 145 amendments.