Gulmi residents’ forced water purchase is soon to end

Kot Basti residents in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality are preparing for a water crisis, with taps now available. They have been using wells, tubes, and natural water for drinking water, and are hopeful that the lifting of water from the Thotneri River will end their suffering. Rana suggests ‘one house, one stream’ for water supply, but local Gyanu Pandey argues that the problem is worsened by dry water sources during winter, and the cost of transporting water is high, requiring 1,500 rupees per trip. Tiladevi Sunar, 75, lamented that her life was passing away as she traveled between Jhatabas and Toladi to fill her utensils. Residents, who have been dealing with drinking water issues for decades, have been lamenting the fact that their authorities are not addressing the issue and are rather utilizing them as electoral votes. Due to the lack of water, many residents have left the community.

Saroj Neupane, the Director of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Division Office, stated that arrangements have been made to pump water to the top within the following week after electricity work was finished at the site. He stated his intention to request a provincial budget for ‘One House, One Stream’ the next year. According to him, this calls for the collaboration and support of all parties involved, including political parties.