180 पटक हेरिएको 
Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has allocated NPR 2.34 billion for the improvement of drinking water supply and sewerage management in major urban areas in the fiscal year 2083/84.
The allocation aims to address the growing demand for drinking water, poorly managed wastewater systems, and increasing pollution of rivers and streams resulting from rapid urbanization. The government has also announced plans to accelerate both new and ongoing infrastructure projects.
Presenting the national budget in a joint session of the Federal Parliament on Friday, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle informed that NPR 2.34 billion has been allocated for drinking water supply, sewerage construction, and wastewater treatment programs in major cities including Damak, Dharan, Itahari, Birgunj, and Hetauda.
The government stated that it has adopted a policy of simultaneously advancing safe drinking water supply and effective wastewater management as part of sustainable urban development. Under this policy, programs will be implemented to expand water distribution systems, construct sewer networks, treat wastewater, and reduce environmental pollution.
According to the budget statement, new wastewater treatment plants will be established in Khandbari, Belauri, Townbazar, Barpak, and Trishulibazar outside the Kathmandu Valley. Once these treatment facilities become operational, wastewater generated from households and commercial activities is expected to be treated and managed in an environmentally friendly manner.
At present, sewerage collection systems remain weak in most municipalities, and the lack of treatment facilities means that wastewater is often discharged directly into rivers and streams. This has contributed to the pollution of water resources and posed risks to public health. The government believes that the planned wastewater treatment plants will help mitigate these challenges.
Similarly, the government has introduced a policy to implement electricity, sewerage, and drinking water infrastructure in an integrated manner to improve urban infrastructure development. The objective is to end the practice of different agencies repeatedly excavating roads for separate utility works and to make infrastructure development more coordinated and cost-effective.
This integrated approach is expected to facilitate the simultaneous expansion of drinking water supply, sewerage services, and electricity infrastructure in urban areas.
The government expects that investments in the drinking water and wastewater management sector will significantly contribute to expanding access to safe drinking water, improving wastewater management, and promoting environmental sanitation in major cities.
Out of the total national budget of NPR 2.124 trillion allocated for fiscal year 2083/084, the government has earmarked NPR 37.17 billion for the drinking water and sanitation sector.
