Poor drainage system blamed for Kathmandu's flooding

Kathmandu's persistent inundation problem, even during light rainfall, continues to plague key areas like Anamnagar, New Baneshwor, Jamal, Raniban, and Singha Durbar. Road traffic was significantly disrupted on Thursday afternoon following a downpour, leading to extensive delays for commuters. Despite this problem recurring annually, effective long-term solutions remain elusive. Prakash Kumar Rai, spokesperson for Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), explained that Maitighar's location on a downward slope contributes to water accumulation. Although drain pipes in the area lead to the Tukucha rivulet, the flow is impeded when the rivulet's water level rises during the rainy season, causing annual waterlogging. Rai highlighted that the core issue lies with the drainage system itself, citing old and narrow pipes with insufficient capacity to handle rainwater flow. Discussions about integrated improvements to the sewerage management system around Maitighar, New Plaza, and Singha Durbar have occurred, but a comprehensive plan has yet to be implemented. Rapid urbanization, the absence of a separate system for rainwater outlets, and rivers losing their floodwater carrying capacity are identified as major contributing factors to the ongoing inundation in the Kathmandu Valley.

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Though the drain pipes of the Maitighar area drain into Tukucha rivulet, the drain water cannot flow easily once the water level in Tukucha rivulet rises during the rainy season. So this area gets waterlogged every year even in light rain in this season.