Bhotekoshi Flood Damages 55 Drinking Water Projects in Four Districts

Kathmandu, Sept 6: The recent Bhotekoshi River flood has damaged 55 drinking water projects in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha, with the total estimated loss put at around Rs 640 million.

Nuwakot has suffered the largest impact, with 22 drinking water projects damaged at an estimated cost of Rs 41 million, according to the Water Supply and Sewerage Management Department.

The department is assessing the damage and working to restore water supply services in the affected areas. It has prepared both immediate and long-term measures to ensure access to drinking water for flood-affected communities.

As part of the emergency response, a 100 KVA diesel generator has been deployed to the Bidur Water Supply Project, allowing it to distribute around 500,000 liters of water per day. Seven pumps have also been installed to resume water supply to approximately 500 households in Battar.

The department is coordinating with Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) to supply water to affected settlements through tankers.

Meanwhile, pumps and HDPE pipes have been prepared to expand water supply services to other flood-hit areas, including Trishuli Bazaar and Belkotgadhi.

Technical teams have been mobilized to repair damaged water infrastructure. The department said detailed long-term reconstruction plans will be prepared after the completion of the comprehensive damage assessment.

The department has stressed the need to combine immediate relief measures with sustainable restoration to prevent prolonged water shortages in flood-affected communities.