KATHMANDU, July 17: Several areas of the federal capital, including Anamnagar, New Baneshwor, Jamal, Raniban and Singha Durbar, become waterlogged even after light rainfall.
Road traffic was severely affected on Thursday afternoon after these areas were inundated following the afternoon downpour. Commuters faced prolonged delays due to traffic disruptions.
Although the problem recurs every year, no long-term solution has been found so far. Spokesperson for the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), Prakash Kumar Rai, said that since Maitighar is situated on a downward slope, rainwater tends to accumulate there.
Settlements across Kathmandu Valley at risk of floods
He said, "Although the drainage pipes in the Maitighar area discharge into the Tukucha rivulet, the drain water cannot flow easily once the water level in the Tukucha rises during the rainy season. As a result, this area gets waterlogged every year, even after light rainfall."
"The main problem lies with the drainage system. Most of the drainage pipes in these areas are old and narrow, and their capacity is insufficient to handle the flow of rainwater," he added.
Although discussions have been held on the integrated improvement of the sewerage management system around the Maitighar, New Plaza and Singha Durbar areas, a comprehensive plan has yet to be implemented.
Rapid urbanization, the lack of a separate drainage system for rainwater, and rivers that have steadily lost their capacity to carry floodwaters are the major reasons behind frequent inundation in the Kathmandu Valley.
