In an effort to ensure a consistent supply of clean drinking water to Kathmandu, the Melamchi Drinking Water Project has constructed an alternative gate system at the project site in Ambathan. The recent maintenance work was carried out to address challenges posed by rising water currents and occasional contamination in the Melamchi River.
According to Rajendra Prasad Pant, the spokesperson for the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, the project employs sluice gate 1 to release water into the tunnel, while gate 9 is responsible for controlling the water flow, particularly during periods of higher contamination levels. “Gate 9 plays a crucial role in filtering out impurities before the water reaches the tunnel,” explained Pant.
To facilitate the necessary maintenance of the sluice gate system, the project was temporarily closed for a period of 10 days. During this time, the alternative gate system was utilized to ensure a continuous flow of water, overcoming technical issues that had arisen with the previous headwork construction.
The water supply to the Kathmandu valley has successfully resumed since Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief to the residents. Pant further added that the gate was closed for maintenance purposes, and as a precautionary measure, the water volume was gradually increased to mitigate any potential risks.
“To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted water supply, we will release one-third of the water initially, gradually followed by the remaining two-thirds. This strategy allows us to optimize the project’s capacity and provide a steady flow of water to meet the demands of the Kathmandu valley,” shared Pant.
The Melamchi Drinking Water Project continues to demonstrate its commitment to overcoming challenges and delivering a reliable source of clean drinking water to the people. By implementing innovative solutions like the alternative gate system, the project aims to enhance the resilience of the water supply infrastructure and serve as a vital resource for the residents of Kathmandu.