Sisneri, Kogate streams planned as alternative water source for Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley's chronic thirst is set to be quenched by a new lifeline from Makwanpur, as authorities move forward with plans to harness the Sisneri and Kogate streams. This ambitious project comes as a much-needed respite from the unreliability of the Melamchi Water Supply Project, which, despite its significance, has been plagued by monsoon-induced disruptions, leaving the capital in a perpetual state of water anxiety.

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Water from the Sisneri and Kogate streams in Makwanpur district has been identified as a long-term alternative to support the Valley’s existing supply, which remains inadequate despite the operation of the Melamchi Project.

The decision to tap these new sources reflects a pragmatic approach to urban planning, acknowledging the unsustainable dependence on a single, climate-vulnerable water system. The proposed infrastructure, including a substantial dam and an extensive pipeline network, signifies a major investment in the capital's future, promising to significantly augment the current supply and address the ever-widening gap between demand and availability driven by rapid urbanization.

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The Melamchi system, the Valley’s primary source, provides around 170 million litres per day in the dry season but frequently faces disturbance during the monsoon due to flooding.

From a local perspective in Makwanpur, this project represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. While the prospect of contributing to the capital's water security is a point of pride, local authorities are rightly focused on assessing and mitigating any potential environmental and social impacts. The success of this endeavor hinges not only on engineering prowess and financial backing from international donors and the government but also on careful local engagement and environmental stewardship, ensuring that this vital resource is managed sustainably for generations to come.

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The proposed project could help reduce Kathmandu’s heavy dependence on a single and climate-vulnerable source and address the increasing gap between supply and demand driven by rapid urban expansion.