Why Does Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Pokhara, ignore Widespread Illegal Motor Pumping?

Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Pokhara, has failed to solve the drinking water supply in Pokhara.

 

Why Does Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Pokhara, Ignore Widespread Illegal Motor Pumping?

By LB Thapa

Residents of Pokhara have long been grappling with an acute shortage of drinking water. The problem recurs year-round, causing persistent hardship for households across the city. Meanwhile, the Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC), Pokhara, continues to offer varying explanations that critics say mask its inefficiency. As a result of the corporation’s lackluster performance, many residents are compelled to rely on private water tankers to meet their daily needs. 

Almost every year, officials of the Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC) attribute the drinking water shortage to inadequate rainfall, claiming that major water sources have either dried up or significantly diminished. However, even last year—when Nepal experienced above-average rainfall—the corporation failed to ensure an adequate water supply to households in Pokhara. 

This time, the explanation has shifted. Following heavy downpours, NWSC officials stated that the main water pipeline had been damaged and that regular supply would remain disrupted until repairs are completed. 

This is the familiar refrain from the NWSC year after year. If rainfall is excessive, officials claim the main pipeline has been damaged; if it is insufficient, they blame a weak monsoon. Either way, consumers are left with no choice but to depend heavily on private water tankers, which often charge exorbitant rates. 

Last year, Nepal received above-average rainfall. Yet even during the peak monsoon season, the NWSC failed to provide adequate water to households in Pokhara. When questioned, officials offered the same explanation: the main pipeline had been damaged by monsoon floods.

In many areas of the city water is supplied only for 1-2 days in a week. This little amount of water is not even enough to fill the underground reservoir. 

Why Pay a Higher Water Bill for So Little Water? 

This has become a common problem for almost every household in Pokhara. Despite receiving a minimal water supply, residents continue to face surprisingly high monthly water bills. Many households report that even though they consume very little water, their bills remain consistently expensive. 

I spoke with several homeowners, and they shared similar concerns. They say that regardless of the irregular and inadequate supply, the charges rarely decrease. 

“We are only three members in the family, and we have an 8,000-liter underground water tank. I have never seen it full,” said Hari Kala Gurung, a resident of Ranipauwa. “Yet, my monthly water bill is always between Rs. 1,100 and Rs. 1,500.” 

When yours truly met the concerned officials at the Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC), Pokhara, and asked about the higher water bill when not enough water is consumed. He said, “When your underground water reservoir is full, you should turn off the knob of the water meter. Otherwise, the meter will keep on running due to air pressure." 

But when I asked him when the underground water reservoir is never full, then there is no question of closing the water meter. Upon this, he did not answer me. 

Illegal Water Extraction with Electric Motors 

One of the main reasons many households receive very little water while others enjoy abundance is the illegal use of electric motors to extract water. This practice has become increasingly common in Pokhara. Currently, it is estimated that nearly one in three households relies on electric motors to bypass official water supply restrictions. 

Residents remove water meters, operate electric pumps to draw large quantities of water, and fill underground tanks, extra drums, and buckets. Once the reservoirs are full, the water meters are reinstalled. In effect, these households obtain hundreds of thousands of liters of water without paying for it. 

Many householders use no water meters

Those householders who consume more water first remove water meters and pay Rs.560 monthly. This means they just pay Rs.560 monthly but consume too much water by using electric motors. This practice is widespread in Pokhara.   

“Being a law-abiding citizen of the country, I have a water meter, and monthly I pay around Rs.1400. However, my neighbors have already removed their water meters. In my locality, however, almost 90% of householders have no water meters. They pull water by using electric motors, and they never face water shortages. On the other hand, every month I call private water tankers to meet my requirement of water," complains Sunmaya Gurung, a local resident of Ranipauwa. 

Yours truly personally talked with the concerned senior officers and complained about the matter. I asked him why he does not take action against those householders who have no water meters and also pull water by using electric motors. But every time he gave me the same answer. “We will take action against those householders who have no water meters and also pull water by using electric motors." But that day has never come. 

Now the question is, if high-ranking officials at the Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Pokhara, refrain from their duty, where should consumers go for justice? Who will listen to them? It seems that these senior officials have no fear of anyone. When the people threaten to complain to the higher authorities, still they show no fear at all. Still, they behave as if nothing can move them from their positions. Now only God can save this country. 

Meet any political parties and leaders in the country and what they pledge. They promise to make a new Nepal. Is this the kind of new Nepal they want to make, where corruption is rampant from top to bottom? 

Commission culture is so widespread in the country that now there is hardly any department left where commission is not involved. 

It seems that in Nepal, nothing moves without a commission. Who knows—perhaps some officials at the NWSC have secretly struck deals with private water suppliers for a share of the profits. As a result, these private tankers remain busy supplying water throughout the year, profiting from the shortage.

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