Kathmandu: In a surprising turn of events during the Melamchi Drinking Water Project’s inauguration, Mayor Balendra Shah of Kathmandu Metropolitan City delivered an ironic tribute to Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal. The mayor’s comments, which have garnered attention, posted on his official Facebook account.

Mayor Shah, in his Facebook post, skillfully blended irony with celebration, drawing attention to the complexities surrounding the Melamchi Project. His post hinted at the need for genuine collaboration between the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the central government, sparking discussions among netizens about the project’s practical implications beyond the ceremonial inauguration.

The mayor’s use of social media to express his perspective has added a digital dimension to the discourse on the Melamchi Drinking Water Project. As citizens engage with the post, it prompts a closer examination of the challenges and expectations associated with the long-awaited project.

This ironic Facebook post has not only heightened public interest but also contributed to a more nuanced evaluation of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project’s political and infrastructural dimensions. The mayor’s digital commentary has sparked conversations online, with many awaiting further developments or responses from relevant authorities.

As the post circulates on social media platforms, it remains to be seen how Mayor Shah’s remarks will influence public perception and discussions surrounding the Melamchi Project in the days to come.

The following are the notable inaugurations of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project:

1. February 2077 – Former Prime Minister K.P. Oli
2. Chaitra 2077 – Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari
3. Vaishakh 2079 – Former Minister of Drinking Water Uma Kant Chaudhary
4. Mansir 2079 – Former Minister of Drinking Water Uma Kant Chaudhary
5. Today (Magh 1, 2080) – Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal

Spanning back to the establishment of the Melamchi Water Development Committee in B.S. 2055, followed by an extensive engineering study report in B.S. 2057, the actual initiation of water diversion took a daunting 11 years, starting only in B.S. 2068.

Throughout this period, 13 Prime Ministers, including King Gyanendra, led the nation, each contributing their political influence.

However, the path was not without challenges. Floods and landslides caused significant damage to critical structures such as weirs, intakes, gravel flushing outlets, sand flushing systems, and diversion tunnel outlets, leading to a temporary halt in the Melamchi flow. Despite this, the government failed to address the technical risks involved. The former Prime Minister K.P. Oli’s hasty inauguration in 2077 left behind the repercussions of insufficient desilting efforts.

The Melamchi Drinking Water Project, once envisioned to provide clean water to the Kathmandu Valley, faced significant delays. Intake structures within the Melamchi were not adequately desilted, posing a serious threat to the sustained supply of water. Moreover, the reliance on rainwater harvesting and the negligence towards the maintenance of diversion structures were apparent flaws in the project.

The recent political hype around the inauguration seems to overshadow the pressing need for thorough technical assessments and solutions. The temporary political gains achieved through premature inaugurations run the risk of exploiting the dreams of citizens for short-term political benefits.

Mayor Shah stated, “As citizens, we earnestly hope for continuous water supply, and we implore the central government to collaborate effectively. This opportunity should not be squandered, and joint efforts with the government can lead to significant and lasting results. Our gratitude for the cooperation, but let us aim for real victory and development, not just momentary political triumphs.”