BANKE: The Sikta Irrigation Project has made strides, achieving 92% fiscal progress in the current fiscal year 2023/24.
This project, designated as a national pride initiative, aims to deliver irrigation facilities to 42,766 hectares of land spanning six rural municipalities in Kohalpur municipality and Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city within Banke district.
Engineer Sandesh Poudel, overseeing the project, revealed that out of the allocated capital expenditure of over 830 million for the current fiscal year, more than Rs 760 million have been utilized as of December 2024.
Noteworthy advancements include the completion of contracts for the remaining works on the eastern main canal and the Goha section of the canal.
Additionally, land acquisition for canal construction has progressed at Prasenipur for the western main canal, Guruwagaun section canal, and various other sections, as outlined by Poudel.
Looking ahead, the budgetary allocation for the Sikta Irrigation Project in the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25 has been augmented, with over Rs 1.6 billion earmarked compared to the previous allocation of over Rs 1.3 billion.
Currently, efforts are focused on advancing works related to the Daduwa section canal.
Originally initiated in the fiscal year 2005/06, the project is slated for completion by the fiscal year 2032/33, in accordance with the revised master plan.
The total projected cost, as per the revised plan, exceeds Rs 52 billion.
Despite progress, the project faces challenges, notably insufficient government funding and issues surrounding the distribution of compensation to landowners affected by the project.
Addressing these challenges is imperative for ensuring the timely and successful completion of this vital endeavor.
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