Kathmandu, September 6
The devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on August 26 has affected 55 drinking water projects across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts.
According to the preliminary assessment of damage to drinking water projects, losses are estimated at around Rs 640 million.
The Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management said Nuwakot was the worst affected, with 22 drinking water projects damaged. The estimated damage to these projects alone stands at Rs 41.15 million.
Department Director General Kamal Raj Shrestha said 20 drinking water projects in Dhading, five in Gorkha and eight in Rasuwa were also damaged.
The department said detailed assessment of the damage is still underway.
The department has launched both short- and long-term measures to restore drinking water services in areas where supplies have been disrupted. Shrestha said priority has been given to restoring services through alternative sources and repairing damaged infrastructure.
In the affected area of the Bidur Drinking Water Project, a 100 kVA diesel generator has been brought into operation to facilitate water distribution. The department said arrangements have been made to distribute around 500,000 litres of drinking water daily through the generator.
Likewise, seven one-horsepower pumps have been put into operation, restoring water services to around 500 households in the Battar area.
In coordination with the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), four water tankers have been distributing drinking water in various settlements of Bidur and Battar since August 28, according to Shrestha.
The department has also arranged necessary materials to expand drinking water services to the remaining affected areas of Trishuli Bazaar, Belkotgadhi, Kolputar, Galchhi, Gajuri and Bidur.
A total of 14 pumps—seven with a capacity of two horsepower and seven with a capacity of one horsepower—along with a 1,000-litre Hilltake tank and around 41.1 kilometres of HDPE pipes have been kept ready for the expansion of water services.
According to the department, preparations are underway to transport and install the materials in the affected areas.
Technical teams have been continuously deployed to repair and restore infrastructure damaged by the flood and ensure regular drinking water supplies to affected settlements.
The department said long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction work is being carried out alongside immediate relief measures to prevent a prolonged drinking water shortage.
Further reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes will be implemented based on the needs identified once a complete assessment of the damage is available.
