Engineering

Melamchi Water Supply Project is again a hot topic of discussion after the concept of making Melamchi a multipurpose project by adding hydro-electricity and irrigation components in it is made public. If Melamchi could be developed as a multipurpose project, not only the valley denizens but also the people of Sindhupalchok and tarai can get benefits from the project. Earlier, the project was limited to drinking water supply in the Kathmandu valley. The time has come to review the concept, designed 30 years ago to bring 170 million litres of water to the valley daily. If Melamchi is completed in old concept, then the water demand of the valley can be met for a short-term only. The Melamchi should be completed without any further delay as the underground water level in the valley has decreased and the population has increased unexpectedly in the past decade. The Melamchi should be a long-term solution of the drinking water problem in the valley together with the completion of the pro...