Dharan’s Mayor, Harka Sampang, arrived in Kathmandu on Monday, carrying an empty water Gagri to highlight the severe water crisis in his city.
He came to meet Drinking Water Minister Pradeep Yadav and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, expressing his frustration over the government’s lack of action to address Dharan’s water problems.
Mayor Sampang plans to visit Singha Durbar on Tuesday with the empty Gagri to meet the Prime Minister and the minister.
On Sunday, he had led a protest in Dharan, demanding a long-term solution to the water shortage. Before heading to Kathmandu on Monday, he posted on Facebook, saying, “I’m heading to Kathmandu with an old water Gagri to protest. The government must ensure a sustainable water supply for the people.”
Dharan is facing one of the worst water shortages among eastern cities. Although there were plans to bring water from the Saptakoshi River, the lack of sufficient budget has stalled progress.
For now, Mayor Sampang has arranged for water from the Kokaha River to be temporarily supplied to Dharan. The water is being delivered through pipes tied to the ground and trees.
