Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 General Background

Nepal, despite being rich in water resources,
continues to face serious challenges in
providing safe and reliable drinking water to
its urban population—especially in the
Kathmandu Valley. Rapid population growth,
unplanned urban expansion, and over-
extraction of groundwater have worsened
water scarcity in the region. To address this
critical issue, the Government of Nepal is
planning the Melamchi Water Supply Project
(MWSP)—a large-scale water diversion and
supply initiative aimed at ensuring a
sustainable supply of drinking water to
Kathmandu. The proposed project will divert
water from the melamchi River in
sindhupalchowk District to sundarijal,
Kathmandu, via a 26.5 km tunnel. A water
treatment plant and a distribution network
will be constructed to supply clean water to
households, institutions, and commercial
sectors across the valley.
1.2 Objectives of the Project

To ensure a continuous and sustainable

supply of drinking water to Kathmandu
Valley. To improve the health and sanitation
of residents by providing treated water. To
reduce over-extraction of groundwater and
support aquifer recharge. To contribute to
the socio-economic development of both
source and beneficiary areas. To create
employment opportunities during and after
construction.
1.3 Objective of the Study

This study aims to assess the potential

socio-economic and cultural impacts of the
Melamchi Water Supply Project prior to its
implementation. It will explore how the
project might influence local communities,
health, education, employment, and the
broader urban environment. It also identifies
possible risks and mitigation strategies.
1.4 Location
The project area is located in
Sindhupalchowk District, northeast of
Kathmandu. The diversion point is at
Melamchi River, from where water will be
transported to Sundarijal, Kathmandu. The
transmission tunnel and other infrastructure
will pass through several municipalities.
(Insert a proposed location map
showing the river source, tunnel
route, and intended distribution areas
in Kathmandu)
1.5 Climate
The Melamchi region has a humid subtropical climate
with clear seasonal patterns: Monsoon season (June–
September) provides high water flow, ideal for collection.
Winter and dry seasons (October–May) feature low
precipitation, requiring sustainable management.
Understanding this climate is crucial for estimating
annual water yield and designing efficient water storage
and flow regulation systems.
Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Condition &
Cultural Resources

2.1 Population, Community

The communities in the Melamchi area are
predominantly rural, with diverse ethnic groups such as
Tamang, Brahmin, and Chhetri. These areas have limited
access to basic infrastructure. The proposed project may
require land acquisition and temporary relocation,
affecting some households. In contrast, residents of
Kathmandu, the project’s beneficiaries, are expected to
gain significantly from the improved water supply
system. Public
consultations and social impact assessments will be
essential to ensure fair treatment of all affected groups.
Expcted population to be benefit given below,

Location population
(a) Helambu rural 17,000
municipality
52,000
(b) Melamchi municipality
21,000
(c) Panchpokhari thang rural
municipality
1,500,000
(d) Kathmandu metropolitan
city 300000

(e) Lalitpur metropolitan city 1,00,000

(f) Bhaktpur municipality 90,000

(g) Kirtipur municipaliy

2.2 Health Facility

Currently, many urban and peri-urban areas rely on

untreated or contaminated water sources, leading to
frequent illness. The proposed project aims to: Improve
public health by providing treated and safe water.
Reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases. Support
rural health centers in project areas by improving
sanitation conditions. Health awareness programs will
also be introduced to complement physical
infrastructure.
The following hospital are expected to get from Melamchi
water supply,

(a) Bir hospital

→ One of the oldest and biggest government hospital in

Kathmandu often over crowed with water related illness
cases.

(b) Kanti children’s hospita.

(c) Sundarijal primary health centre

(d) Paropakar maternity and women’s hospital.

2.3 Educational Facility

The project is expected to positively influence education

by: Improving hygiene conditions in schools. Reducing
absenteeism caused by water-related illnesses.
Allocating part of the Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) budget for upgrading rural schools near
construction sites. Temporary disruptions during
construction may occur, so mitigation plans like
scheduling or relocation support will be necessary.
Benifical eductional instutions are:

(a) Shree chilaune secondary school

(b) shree Bhim higher secondary school.

(c) Durbar high school.

(d) Tri-Chandra college.

2.4 Cultural Heritage

The project planning phase includes a thorough Cultural
Impact Assessment to: Avoid damage to religious sites,
temples, or traditional settlements. Document and
preserve local practices and traditions. Engage local
leaders to integrate heritage conservation with project
planning. Construction activities will follow Environmental
and Social Safeguard Guidelines to prevent cultural loss.
2.5 Socio-Economic Condition

The Melamchi region currently has a moderate to low

socio-economic status, with dependency on agriculture
and seasonal labor. The project is expected to: Improve
infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and
communications. Generate new livelihood options
through project-related employment. Provide
compensation and skill development training for
displaced or affected families. In Kathmandu, reliable
water supply is projected to reduce household water
expenses and improve urban life quality.

2.6 Employment

Significant employment opportunities will be created

during construction and operation: Skilled and unskilled
jobs in tunnel construction, logistics, and water plant
installation. Permanent jobs in water treatment,
maintenance, and administration. Indirect employment
through demand in housing, food, and transportation
services. Priority will be given to local workers in project-
affected areas, with training programs to enhance their
employ ability.

Expected employment opportunity are given below:

Category Estimat
 ed
job
(a) Tunne constructed workers 1,800
(b) Engineering and technical staff 250
(c) Water treatment plant 100
operators 80
(d) Construction material suppliers 500
(e) Transportation and 120
accommodation
(f) Security and maintenance

2..7 Economic Development and Prospects for

Growth

The Melamchi Water Supply Project will be contributing

significantly to the economic development of the
Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions. By ensuring
a reliable and adequate water supply, we will be
supporting urban growth, public health improvements,
and industrial productivity. The increased availability of
clean water will be enabling businesses to expand and
operate more efficiently, while also creating employment
opportunities during the construction and operation
phases. Over time, the project will be helping to enhance
the standard of living and attract investment into sectors
such as tourism, hospitality, education, and
manufacturing.

2.7.1 Land Use

As part of our implementation strategy, we will be

analyzing current land use patterns to avoid unnecessary
disruption to local communities and ecosystems. We will
be prioritizing the use of public lands and less densely
populated areas for the construction of facilities like
intake structures, treatment plants, and reservoirs.
Efforts will be made to ensure that the land acquisition
process is fair and transparent, with proper
compensation and rehabilitation support for affected
individuals. This balanced approach will be promoting
both environmental conservation and responsible
development.

2.7.2 Infrastructure

The supporting infrastructure for the project—including

access roads, electrical supply lines, maintenance
facilities, and service pipelines—will be constructed to
enhance the functionality and efficiency of the overall
system. We will be integrating these works with the
broader regional development plans so that local
communities will also benefit from improved
transportation and communication networks.
Additionally, these infrastructures will be built to
withstand natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and
earthquakes, ensuring long-term resilience and
uninterrupted water supply.
2.8 Engineering Design

The engineering design of the Melamchi project will be

taking into account the complex geography of the region,
as well as the long-term operational needs of the system.
We will be working with experts to design robust intake
structures at the Melamchi River, along with a 26-km-
long diversion tunnel to convey water to the Kathmandu
Valley. Advanced hydraulic modeling will be used to
optimize flow rates and pressure distribution in the
pipeline networks. Structural safety, energy efficiency,
and ease of maintenance will be key considerations in
the design of the water treatment plant and associated
infrastructure. Throughout this phase, we will be
adhering to national and international engineering
standards.

2.9 General Appreciation of the Project and

Methodology

We will be adopting a holistic and phased methodology

to ensure that the Melamchi project is delivered
effectively and with minimal risk. This approach will be
involving careful project planning, stakeholder
consultations, environmental and social impact
assessments, and the incorporation of modern project
management tools. We will be monitoring progress
regularly and making adjustments as needed to stay
aligned with the project's objectives. Multidisciplinary
collaboration will be playing a central role, bringing
together engineers, hydrologists, economists,
sociologists, and local communities in the planning and
implementation processes.

2.9.1 The National Perspective

From a national perspective, the Melamchi Water Supply
Project will be recognized as a landmark effort in solving
Nepal’s chronic urban water crisis. By increasing water
availability in Kathmandu by over 170 million liters per
day, we will be significantly reducing the dependency on
groundwater and private water vendors. The project will
be forming part of the broader national strategy for water
resource management and climate adaptation, aligning
with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the
government’s urban development policies.

2.9.2 GON's Initiative

The Government of Nepal (GON) will be providing

strategic leadership and institutional support throughout
the duration of the project. We will be working closely
with various ministries, including the Ministry of Water
Supply and the Ministry of Finance, to ensure timely
disbursement of funds and resolution of policy-level
issues. The government’s initiatives will also be focusing
on strengthening the Melamchi Water Supply
Development Board (MWSDB), improving inter-agency
coordination, and maintaining transparency through
regular audits and public updates.

2.9.3 Initial Field Reconnaissance

Initial field reconnaissance will be undertaken to gather

baseline information on topography, geology, soil
conditions, water sources, biodiversity, and social
structures in the project areas. This groundwork will be
helping us determine the most suitable alignments for
tunnels and pipelines while also identifying sensitive
zones that need protection. Surveys, stakeholder
interviews, and GPS mapping will be conducted to inform
the design and mitigate any risks early on. The findings
from this phase will be playing a critical role in shaping
the detailed feasibility and environmental management
plans.

Chapter 3

Analysis of Alternatives With and Without

Project Situations

This chapter examines different design and planning

options that could be considered for the Melamchi Water
Supply Project (MWSP), along with the implications of not
implementing the project. The goal is to ensure the
selected solution is cost-effective, environmentally
responsible, and technically sound. ---

3.1 Alternatives in Project Location

Several water sources will be assessed to determine the

most suitable for long-term water supply to the
Kathmandu Valley. The key criteria include water
availability, quality, proximity, elevation, and
social/environmental impact.

Option 1: Melamchi River

Location: Sindhupalchowk district

Elevation: ~1,580 meters above sea level

Discharge: ~170 MLD (Million Liters per Day)

Distance to Kathmandu: ~26 km

Advantages

Gravity flow possible → low energy cost

Relatively clean water, especially during dry season

Feasible tunnel route to Sundarijal

Option 2: Yangri River

Discharge: ~90 MLD

Additional pipeline length: 15–20 km more than

Melamchi

Challenges

Lower discharge

Requires additional tunnel and treatment units

Slightly better water quality (less turbidity)

Option 3

Larke River

Discharge: ~70–80 MLD

Farther from the Kathmandu Valley

Challenges

Higher construction cost due to terrain

Longer conveyance line (adds ~10–15% cost)

Conclusion
Melamchi remains the most viable source due to its flow
capacity, elevation, and engineering feasibility.

3.2 Alternatives in Technology, Implementation

Procedure, and Raw Materials

The engineering team will evaluate various technologies

and execution models for system components.

A. Conveyance System Option Description Pros Cons

Gravity System Tunnel-based, no pumps Low O&M cost,

reliable Higher initial construction cost Pumping System
Uses electric pumps from source Lower construction cost
High energy use, not climate-resilient

Preferred: Gravity-fed system using a 27.5 km tunnel

B. Pipe Material Material Pros Cons Suitability

HDPE Flexible, corrosion-resistant Low strength for large

pipes Best for distribution lines Ductile Iron (DI) Strong,
durable Expensive, heavy Suitable for main lines
Preferred: DI pipes for mains, HDPE for branches

C. Project Implementation Method

Method Description Timeline Impact Cost Control

Design-Bid-Build (DBB) Traditional 3-phase model Slower

High control Design-Build (DB) Single contractor for
design + build Faster Medium

Recommended: Design-Build for fast-track

implementation
D. Use of Local Raw Materials

Sand, aggregates, and cement will be sourced locally

from Sindhupalchowk and Dhading districts.
Promotes local employment and reduces transport cost
by ~15%.
3.3 No-Project Situation (Without Project Scenario)

If the Melamchi Water Supply Project is not

implemented, the Kathmandu Valley will face:

A. Worsening Water Crisis

Current daily water demand in Kathmandu = 400 MLD

Current KUKL supply = 90–100 MLD (dry season)

➤ Deficit = ~300 MLD

B. Increased Reliance on Private Tankers

Households forced to purchase tanker water:

Cost: NPR 1,500 – 2,000 per 1,000 liters

Average monthly household cost: NPR 6,000 – 10,000

Tanker water is often untreated or poor quality

C. Groundwater Over-extraction

Tube well density has increased in core Kathmandu

Water table dropping by 1–2 meters annually

Risk of land subsidence and contamination

D. Public Health Impact

Lack of reliable water leads to: Diarrhea, typhoid, skin

diseases

School absenteeism and lower economic productivity

E. Environmental Degradation
More borewells and concrete tanks

River and spring sources drying up

Example Comparison Table: With vs. Without Project

Aspect With MWSP Without MWSP Water Availability 170

MLD
(Phase I), 510 MLD (full) 100 MLD (KUKL current
capacity)
Cost to Households NPR 500–800/month (tariffed) NPR
6,000–10,000/month (tankers)
Groundwater Pressure Relieved Further over-extracted
Quality Monitoring SCADA, WTP control Unregulated
tanker water Public Health Improved Risk of waterborne
diseases

Conclusion and Recommendation (Preview)

The "with project" scenario is clearly economically,
socially, and environmentally preferable.

Melamchi River should be the primary water source, and

construction should follow a gravity-fed, design-build
approach, with local material use.
 Chapter 4:Detailed Engineering Design

This chapter provides the technical foundation for the

planning and execution of the Melamchi Water Supply
Project (MWSP). It outlines the design standards,
population forecasting, service coverage, and
construction strategy for a 30-year planning horizon.

4.1 Design Standards

4.1.1 General Design Basis

The design of the Melamchi system will comply with:

Nepal National Building Code (NBC)

Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS)

World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines

MoWS (Ministry of Water Supply) planning criteria

The system will be designed to supply 100 Liters Per

Capita Per Day (LPCD) to urban households.

4.2 Design Period

The project will be designed with a 30-year design period

from 2025 to 2055.

This will ensure that future demand, population growth,

and urban expansion are addressed without requiring
major system overhauls.
4.3 Population Growth Rate

The population growth rate will be estimated based on

past census data and urbanization trends:

Year Population (Kathmandu Valley) Growth Rate

2021 3.0 million –

2025 3.5 million (estimated) 3.5%

The average annual growth rate is projected at 3.5%.

Major drivers: Urban migration, economic activities, and

educational opportunities.

4.4 Population Calculation

Using the compound interest formula:

P = P_0 \times (1 + r)^n

Where:

= 3.0 million (base year: 2025)

= 3.5% = 0.035

= 30 years
P_{2055} = 3,000,000 \times (1.035)^{30} ≈ 8.49 \
text{ million}

Thus, the design will aim to serve a population of 8.49

million by 2055.

➤ Design Water Demand:

8.49 \text{ million} × 100 \text{ LPCD} = 849 \

text{ MLD (Million Liters per Day)}

4.5 Service Level

The system will be designed to provide:

8 hours/day of water supply

100% coverage in urban municipalities

80% coverage in peri-urban and outer municipalities

All households will be gradually connected to the piped

system.

4.6 Design Approach

4.6.1 General Strategy

Adopt a gravity-fed system from Melamchi intake to the

Sundarijal treatment plant.

Post-treatment, water will be distributed via a

pressurized network controlled through zonal valves and
reservoir balancing.
4.6.2 Location of Major Structures

Structure Location Altitude (approx.) Purpose

Intake Structure Melamchi River 1,580 masl Divert

raw water
Diversion Tunnel Melamchi to Sundarijal -
Conveyance without pumps
Treatment Plant (WTP) Sundarijal ~1,350 masl Treat
170 MLD of water
Reservoirs (10 locations) Balaju, Mahankalchaur,
Bansbari, etc. 1,250–1,400 masl Storage and pressure
management
Distribution Network Entire Valley - Delivery to all
consumers

4.7 Implementation Schedule

The project will be implemented over a 5-year phased

plan (2025–2030):

Phase Year(s) Activity

1 2025–2026 Construction of intake, tunnel lining

2 2026–2028 Water treatment plant and reservoir
works
3 2028–2030 Pipe laying, connection, testing, SCADA
setup

This phased approach ensures financial feasibility,

smooth land acquisition, and uninterrupted city
operation during construction.

🔍 Additional Considerations:
Climate Resilience:
The system will include design buffers to manage
increased rainfall events and sediment loads due to
climate change.

Seismic Design:
Reservoirs and pipelines will be earthquake-resistant per
NBC standards.

Land Acquisition:
Government-owned land will be used wherever possible
to minimize resettlement and compensation costs.

Chapter 5: Summary of Design of Water Supply

System

This chapter will summarize the major design

components, system layout, and cost considerations of
the proposed Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP)
that will supply safe and adequate drinking water to the
Kathmandu Valley. The design will consider both
technical feasibility and long-term sustainability, serving
the projected population up to the year 2055.

5.1 Components of the Proposed Water Supply

System

The major components of the system will include:

Water Source and Intake Structure:

Raw water will be collected from the Melamchi River,
where an intake structure will be constructed at approx.
1,580 meters above sea level (masl).
Conveyance Tunnel:
A 27.5 km long diversion tunnel will be constructed from
Melamchi to Sundarijal, allowing gravity flow.

Water Treatment Plant (WTP):

The raw water will be treated at the Sundarijal WTP,
which will initially have a capacity of 170 million
liters/day (MLD), expandable in the future.

Service Reservoirs:
Treated water will be stored in 10 strategically located
reservoirs (e.g., in Bansbari, Mahankalchaur, and Balaju),
with capacities ranging from 5,000 m³ to 15,000 m³.

Distribution Network:
Water will be distributed through a network of HDPE and
ductile iron (DI) pipes, covering more than 1,000 km of
the valley area.

Control & Monitoring System:

The system will be managed using a SCADA system for
real-time flow control, leakage detection, and water
quality monitoring.

5.2 Description of Project

5.2.1 Water Source

The primary water source will be the Melamchi River,

selected for its reliable discharge (~170 MLD), altitude,
and relatively clean water quality.
To ensure year-round reliability, Yangri and Larke Rivers
will also be evaluated as future source expansion
options.

5.2.2 Water Treatment Facilities

The Sundarijal WTP will treat raw water using the
following units:

Screening and Coagulation Units

Sedimentation Tanks

Rapid Sand Filtration Units

Chlorination (Disinfection)

Sludge drying beds for waste disposal

The treated water will meet WHO and Nepal Drinking

Water Quality Standards.

5.2.3 Service Reservoirs

A total of 10 service reservoirs will be constructed at key

distribution points. Each will be reinforced concrete
tanks, located based on hydraulic modeling to ensure
optimal pressure in distribution.

Example:

Balaju Reservoir: 15,000 m³

Bansbari Reservoir: 10,000 m³

5.2.4 Pipe Line

The pipe system will consist of:

Main Transmission Line: 1200 mm DI pipe from

Sundarijal to city center
Distribution Network: 110–400 mm HDPE pipes to cover
residential and commercial zones

Zonal Valves and Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) will

control flow

5.2.5 Other System Appurtenances

Air Valves: To release trapped air in pipelines

Washout Valves: For cleaning pipelines periodically

Flow Meters: Installed at inlet/outlet of reservoirs

Bulk and Household Water Meters: For monitoring usage

Smart Water Cards: Piloted in high-density areas for

prepaid water use

5.3 Capital Cost of Water Supply System

A comprehensive cost estimate will be prepared based

on design quantities, unit rates, and market analysis.

5.3.1 Unit Rate Analysis (Example Rates):

Pipeline laying (HDPE): NPR 6,500/m

Reservoir construction: NPR 12,000/m³

Tunnel boring and lining: NPR 30,000/m

5.3.2 Quantity and Cost Estimates

Component Quantity Cost (NPR Billion)

Transmission Pipelines 1,000 km 6.50

Water Treatment Plant 170 MLD 4.00
Reservoirs (10 units) 5,000–15,000 m³ 2.00
Total Estimated Cost — 12.50 Billion

The final cost will include contingencies (~10%) and

environmental mitigation costs.

5.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Cost

Annual O&M cost will be estimated at NPR 230 million,

broken down as:

Staff salaries: NPR 80 million/year

Electricity and chemical cost: NPR 100 million/year

Maintenance and repair: NPR 50 million/year

A tariff system based on usage and household income

levels will be implemented to recover these costs
sustainably.

Future-Proofing and Expansion

The project design will incorporate modular treatment

capacity, zonal supply management, and climate
resilience measures, allowing it to scale up to serve a
projected population of 8.49 million by 2055.
 Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter provides a comprehensive conclusion of the

project analysis and offers evidence-based
recommendations to ensure the successful
implementation and long-term operation of the
Melamchi Water Supply Project. It is based on projected
population growth, existing water crises, technical
feasibility, and socio-economic benefits.

6.1 Project Summary

The Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) will divert

water from the Melamchi River to the Kathmandu Valley
via a 27.5 km tunnel.

The project is designed to supply 170 Million Liters per

Day (MLD) in Phase I and 510 MLD after integrating
water from the Yangri and Larke Rivers in future phases.

A Water Treatment Plant (WTP) will be constructed at

Sundarijal, and water will be distributed via HDPE/DI
pipelines, SCADA-monitored systems, and 10 reservoirs.

The system will serve a projected population of 8.49

million by 2055.

6.2 Key Findings and Benefits

A. Addressing Water Deficit

Current water supply: 100–120 MLD (in dry seasons)

Projected demand (2055): 849 MLD

MWSP will help close this gap and provide reliable,
treated water to all residents.

B. Financial Benefits to Households

Without MWSP:

Average family pays NPR 6,000–10,000/month for tanker

water

With MWSP:

Estimated monthly bill under metered system: NPR 500–

800

Annual savings: NPR 60,000–100,000 per family

C. Public Health and Sanitation

The project will reduce waterborne diseases (cholera,

typhoid, diarrhea), especially in low-income
neighborhoods.

Treated water will comply with WHO drinking water

standards, improving the quality of life.

D. Environmental Protection

The project will reduce dependence on groundwater,

helping restore the aquifer balance and preventing:

Land subsidence

Spring depletion
Unregulated borewell use

E. Employment and Economic Impact

During construction: 5,000+ direct jobs

Post-completion: 800+ jobs for plant operations,

maintenance, meter reading, SCADA operation

Long-term improvement in tourism, education, and

industry due to better water infrastructure

6.3 Risks and Challenges

Risk Impact Mitigation

Delay in construction Cost overrun, delayed benefit

Strong project management and milestone reviews
Tunnel leakage or landslides Disruption in water flow
Geotechnical risk assessment and lining
Illegal connections or leakage Water loss, revenue drop
Smart metering and community monitoring
Political/contractor interference Inefficiency
Transparent procurement and independent audit

6.4 Recommendations

1. Fast-Track Project Implementation

Use Design-Build or EPC Contracting to shorten

construction time

Establish a project steering committee with MoWS, local

bodies, and donor agencies
2. Community Participation

Train local community-based organizations (CBOs) to

assist in:

Leak detection

Complaint handling

Tariff education and water use behavior

3. Water Tariff Reform

Introduce block tariff system:

Basic needs met at low rate

Higher users pay more

Ensure equity and sustainability

4. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Planning

Annual O&M budget: NPR 230 million

Regular maintenance of:

Treatment units

Pipelines

Reservoirs
Build a Maintenance Management System (MMS) using
SCADA

5. Expansion and Climate Resilience

Future expansion to Yangri and Larke Rivers (Phase II

and III)

Climate-proof system:

Early warning for floods

Sediment flushing mechanisms

Water conservation education in schools

5.5 Final Statement

"By 2030, the Melamchi Water Supply Project will

emerge as the lifeline of the Kathmandu Valley, ensuring
clean, affordable, and equitable water access for millions
of people, while protecting the region’s environment and
groundwater."

With proper execution, Melamchi will transform

Kathmandu’s water landscape for decades.