KATHMANDU: The devastating flood that swept through the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on August 26 has affected 55 drinking water projects across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha. Preliminary assessments have put the total damage to the projects at around Rs 640 million.
The Department of Drinking Water and Sewerage Management said Nuwakot, the worst-hit district, has reported damage to 22 drinking water projects, with losses estimated at Rs 41.15 million.
Kamal Raj Shrestha, director general of the department, said the flood also damaged 20 projects in Dhading, five in Gorkha and eight in Rasuwa. A detailed assessment of the damage is still being carried out, according to the department.
To restore drinking water supplies in areas affected by the disruption, the department has adopted both immediate and long-term measures. Shrestha said efforts are focused on restoring services, repairing damaged infrastructure and tapping alternative water sources to meet the immediate needs of residents.
A 100 KVA diesel generator has been put into operation to support water distribution, particularly in areas covered by the Bidur Drinking Water Project. Through the generator, around 500,000 liters of drinking water are expected to be supplied each day.
Meanwhile, seven one-horsepower pumps have been installed, enabling the resumption of drinking water services for around 500 households in the Battar area. Shrestha said four water tankers have also been supplying water to settlements in Bidur and Battar in coordination with Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL).
The department has additionally stockpiled equipment needed to extend water services to flood-affected areas such as Trishuli Bazaar, Belkotgadhi, Kolputar, Galchhi, Gajuri and other parts of Bidur. The supplies include 14 pumps with capacities ranging from one to two horsepower, a 1,000-liter Hilltec tank and approximately 41.1 kilometers of HDPE pipes.
Officials are preparing to transport and install the equipment in the affected locations to expand water distribution. A technical team has been deployed on a continuous basis to repair damaged infrastructure and restore regular drinking water services in affected communities.
The department said rehabilitation efforts are being pursued alongside immediate relief measures to avert drinking water shortages in the aftermath of the flood. Additional reconstruction and rehabilitation programs will be implemented after a comprehensive assessment determines the full extent of the damage and the requirements of the affected areas.
