KATHMANDU: Ahead of this year’s Maha Shivaratri festival, authorities have started releasing water from Dhap Dam to increase the flow of the Bagmati River. The move aims to facilitate ritual bathing for devotees and enhance the river’s scenic beauty during the festival.
The Bagmati River Integrated Civilization Development Committee has coordinated the water release, noting that large crowds are expected at Pashupatinath Temple during the festival. The release started gradually from the dam in the afternoon to ensure steady flow throughout the celebration.
Uddhav Nepal, Deputy Director and Information Officer of the project, said the water takes around 14 hours to reach the Pashupati area after being released from Dhap Dam. “On special days, we have traditionally released water from the dam into the Bagmati River,” he added.
Flow and Volume
The committee plans to release water at a rate of 400 liters per second for three days. “This will raise the river level to knee-height for devotees, making bathing easier while enhancing the river’s beauty,” Nepal said. Coordination has also been requested from the Melamchi Water Supply Project to supplement the flow.
Officials from Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) have been instructed to channel water via the Sundarijal treatment plant. Approximately 50 million liters are expected to be released by the end of the festival. KUKL officials assured that daily water supply to the valley’s residents will not be affected.
Dhap Dam significance
Located in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Gokarneshwar Municipality-1, Dhap Dam holds religious, cultural, and historical importance. It was inaugurated three years ago, nearly a decade after its conception, with support from the Asian Development Bank worth NPR 89 crore. The dam stores rainwater during the monsoon to release into the Bagmati during the dry winter months.
“The plan was to release 400 liters per second to raise the river level, but during dry periods, the dam’s capacity was insufficient for daily release,” said Nepal, noting that the winter water release now meets festival requirements.
This year’s Maha Shivaratri sees careful coordination to ensure the Bagmati River remains vibrant and accessible for thousands of devotees visiting Pashupatinath Temple and performing ritual baths.
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