KATHMANDU: The Melamchi Water Supply to the Kathmandu Valley has been temporarily halted due to the challenges posed by the ongoing monsoon season. The Melamchi Water Supply Board announced the suspension of water supply from the Melamchi River in Sindhupalchowk citing increased turbidity caused by heavy rainfall.

Ratna Lamichhane, Executive Director of the Board, explained that the decision was made to protect the Valley's water quality and infrastructure amidst adverse weather conditions. Originally planned for June 13, the suspension was delayed due to an initial lack of significant rainfall, but recent developments led to its implementation last Friday.

The government's oversight of Melamchi water supplies during the monsoon is aimed at safeguarding project infrastructure. The Meteorological Forecasting Division noted the early arrival of the monsoon in Nepal on June 10, with its expected duration typically until October 2.

Management consultants and the Asian Development Bank recommended the suspension to mitigate risks associated with the monsoon, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the water supply project structures. Supply will resume once weather conditions stabilize and the turbidity levels in the Melamchi River decrease to safe levels.