KATHMANDU: Different places in the federal capital city of Kathmandu including Anamnagar, New Baneshwor, Jamal, Raniban and Singha Durbar get waterlogged even during light rainfall.

Road traffic was badly affected on Thursday afternoon after these areas were waterlogged following the afternoon downpour. Passengers had to face trouble due to traffic obstruction for long.

Though such problem recurs every year, no long-term solution has been found so far. Spokesperson at the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), Prakash Kumar Rai, shared as Maitighar is situated on a downward slope, so rain water accumulates here.

He mentioned, “Though the drain pipes of Maitighar area drain into Tukucha rivulet, the drain water cannot flow easily once water level in Tukucha rivulet rises during rainy season. So this area gets waterlogged every year even in light rain in this season.”

“The main problem is with the drainage system. Most of drainage pipe in these areas are old and narrow. Their capacity is insufficient to handle the rainwater flow,” he added.

Although discussions were held for the integrated improvement of sewerage management system around Maitighar, New Plaza and Singha Durbar areas, a comprehensive plan has not been implemented yet.

Rapid urbanization, lack of separate system for the outlet to rainwater, rivers that have steadily lost their capacity to carry floodwater is major reasons behind inundation in Kathmandu Valley.