Agreement Reached to Resolve Melamchi Water Supply Project Issues

KATHMANDU: Authorities reached an agreement late Tuesday at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation to address ongoing issues surrounding the Melamchi Water Supply Project.

The agreement focuses on resolving concerns raised by multiple stakeholders, including local governments in project-affected areas, social upliftment committees, flood victims’ groups, and local vendors and tenants.

According to the agreement, delays in the release of capital funds from the Ministry of Finance, originally scheduled for FY 2079/80 (2022-23), were caused by technical issues in the disbursement process. A draft resolution will be prepared with written consent from local authorities and the Board’s Executive Committee, and submitted to relevant agencies for necessary amendments.

Fact-based data on project impacts will be collected from the District Disaster Management Committee in Sindhupalchowk, and the Home Ministry will be urged to proceed with relief and compensation distribution.

A three-member committee, including representatives from affected groups, will address outstanding issues over the next three months. Additionally, a study will assess the impact of past floods on lives, property, businesses, industries, agriculture, and daily livelihoods in the Melamchi area.

In line with the decision to release pending payments to local vendors, the Ministry of Finance will disburse the outstanding funds within 15 days.

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