KATHMANDU: The distribution of Melamchi Drinking Water in the Kathmandu Valley, which was initially set to be halted on Friday, will continue uninterrupted for now.
According to the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, the tunnel supplying water from Ambathang to Kathmandu will remain open under close monitoring.
Previously, the government had planned to close the tunnel with the onset of the monsoon due to the potential risk of floods and landslides.
Historically, the tunnel has been closed during the monsoon season to minimize disaster risks, halting water distribution in the valley, and reopened once the monsoon ends.
Ratna Lamichhane, the Executive Director of the Committee, stated, “We had decided to close the tunnel, but it will now remain operational until heavy rainfall is reported in the area.”
“With the increased risk of flooding in the Melamchi River due to the monsoon, we had earlier prepared to close the tunnel from Friday. However, since the water level in the river remains stable, the water supply will continue,” added Lamichhane.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported that this year the monsoon started three days earlier than usual, beginning around June 10 instead of June 13.
The monsoon season is projected to end by the first week of October.
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