November 18: Mayor of Melamchi Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, Dambar Aryal, has said that Melamchi’s water will not be supplied to Kathmandu if the current situation persists. Aryal made such remark while speaking at the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Hyolmo Sindhu Melamchi Valley Social Upliftment Program Steering Committee, held in Melamchi on Tuesday. During the program, Mayor Aryal warned of blocking the water supply to Kathmandu from Melamchi river if the Melamchi Water Supply Project does not take initiative to resolve the problems caused by floods and landslides in Melamchi and Helambu areas.

The mayor expressed his discontent saying that the project officials have not shown any interest to address the problem even after witnessing the damages caused by floods. “We cannot send water in the current situation. It is not possible until the debris at the project site is properly removed,” said the mayor. He also shared his disappointment saying, “Despite repeated requests for talks, they have not come in contact with us so far.”

Mayor Aryal has requested the officials of the Melamchi Water Supply Project to study the status of Melamchi and warned that the water would not be sent to Kathmandu if the project officials prefer to stay in Kathmandu rather than visit the area for inspection.

Aryal suggested the officials to move ahead only by making a sustainable plan and bear responsibility.

Chandra Bahadur Thapa, one of the board members of Melamchi Water Supply Development Board, said that the drinking water project was helping the flood-affected areas and assured that they are committed to resolve the problems that would arise in the upcoming days as well. "We have been requesting the project for budget allocation in the productive sector. The problems of the locals will be definitely addressed", said Thapa.