SINDHUPALCHOK: Residents of Helambu Rural Municipality-1, Ambathan, have stopped the diversion of Melamchi drinking water to Kathmandu since Thursday, citing unfulfilled agreements and pending demands.

The Melamchi Flood Victims Struggle Committee locked the project’s site office, vowing not to allow water diversion until their demands are met. The move follows government failure to implement earlier accords reached after past protests.

Locals affected by the 2021 Melamchi flood have demanded embankment construction for river control, protection of vulnerable settlements, loan waivers for destroyed homes and businesses, Rs 1 million compensation per deceased family member, Rs 2 million housing grant, and local-level water levy facilities.

They also urged the government to implement income-generation programs for flood victims.

A tripartite agreement among the committee, Helambu Rural Municipality, and the Ministry of Water Supply was signed in October 2024, with then-minister Pradeep Yadav promising to address the grievances.

The devastating flood in June 2021, had destroyed homes, farms, and infrastructure along the Melamchi River corridor.