KATHMANDU: Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has announced that the government has set a target to provide clean drinking water to 57% of the country’s population within the next year.
Addressing lawmakers’ questions during the National Assembly meeting on Friday, Minister Yadav informed that the current access to clean drinking water stands at 27%.
To achieve the ambitious goal, he stated that special arrangements will be made in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, with an estimated requirement of Rs 6 billion.
Minister Yadav emphasized that the government is implementing a plan to address the drinking water crisis in the Tarai-Madhesh region, particularly during the dry season, by constructing deep tube wells. He reported that the concerned drinking water project offices have already initiated the construction process.
In addition, Minister Yadav highlighted progress in designing projects to supply drinking water from the Rapti Kholo in Makawanpur and the Sunkoshi diversion.
He also revealed that while over 200 drinking water tanks have been built across various districts from Jhapa to Mahendranagar, they have yet to be fully operational. The ministry is actively working to facilitate their use.
Minister Yadav highlighted that the government plans to protect water sources as part of a long-term strategy to resolve the drinking water problem sustainably. He stressed that the issue of clean drinking water would not be politicized and that the government is committed to ensuring access to safe water for all citizens.
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