Minister Yadav pledges quick resolution to Karnali’s water crisis

KATHMANDU: Minister for Drinking Water, Pradeep Yadav, has pledged to swiftly resolve the ongoing drinking water issues in Karnali Province.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee on Tuesday, Minister Yadav emphasized that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget will prioritize solving drinking water problems in both Karnali and Madhesh provinces.

He acknowledged that a lack of sufficient budget allocation for the Ministry of Drinking Water has hindered efforts to provide clean water to many areas.

Highlighting a major policy shift, he announced that the existing provision requiring 30% public investment in drinking water projects is set to be abolished. “We are moving towards a model where 85% of the investment comes from the federal government and 15% from provincial and local governments. Citizens will no longer have to invest in drinking water projects,” he stated, adding that a final decision would be made within this week.

Yadav also shared that with the revised policy and upcoming budget, the government aims to provide year-round water supply from the Melamchi Water Supply Project to the Kathmandu Valley, ending the seasonal disruptions that have persisted since Asar.

He further claimed that 98% of the population now has access to basic drinking water services. However, several lawmakers at the meeting raised concerns over the severe water scarcity in Madhesh and Karnali, urging the government to act urgently.

Tuesday’s committee meeting focused on reviewing the Ministry’s progress in drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as preparations for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.