MAHENDRANAGAR: The Mahakali Irrigation Project, launched in 2006, has seen only 27% physical progress despite an investment of Rs 9 billion. The project, which aims to irrigate 33,520 hectares of land in the Kanchanpur and Kailali districts, was initially estimated to cost Rs 35 billion.
According to Senior Division Engineer Rajesh Bhakta Pokharel, the project’s slow pace is attributed to budget constraints, land compensation issues, and difficulties in forest area management. “The project has been delayed due to local dissatisfaction with compensation and the lack of effective management of land and forest areas,” Pokharel said.
The construction of the 19-kilometre-long main canal, which is being done in four phases, is a key component of the project. As of now, 28.8 kilometres of the canal have been completed, stretching from Brahmadev to Phuleli in Shuklaphanta Municipality. The Indian side, in accordance with the Mahakali Treaty, has completed 1,200 metres of the canal from Tanakpur to the Nepal-India border.
The government has set a target to complete the canal construction up to Malakheti in Kailali by 2030. However, the prolonged delay has caused frustration among the locals, who are waiting for the completion of this national pride project.
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