Kathmandu, Nov 12: An agreement was reached late Tuesday night at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation to address ongoing issues with the Melamchi Water Supply Project.
Under the agreement, concerns related to the project’s water diversion will be addressed by responding to the demands of multiple stakeholders, including local governments in project-affected areas, local social upliftment committees, flood victims’ groups, and local vendors and tenants.
“Following the issuance of the Order to Establish the Melamchi Water Supply Development Board in 2079 BS, the release of capital funds from the Ministry of Finance has been delayed from FY 2079/80 (2022-23) to the present due to technical issues in the disbursement process. To resolve this, a draft will be prepared based on written consent from local authorities and the decision of the Board’s Executive Committee, and it will be submitted to relevant agencies for necessary amendments,” as stated in the agreement.
To move forward, fact-based data will be collected from the District Disaster Management Committee in Sindhupalchowk. The Home Ministry will also be urged to proceed with relief and compensation distribution. A three-member committee, including representatives from affected groups, will be formed to address these issues over the next three months.
A study will be conducted to assess the impact of past floods on the Melamchi area, including damage to lives and property, effects on industries, businesses, agricultural farms, and daily livelihoods. In line with the decision to release pending payments to local vendors, the Ministry of Finance will disburse the outstanding funds within 15 days, it is said.
