KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has expressed his concern over the progress in regard to the development of Sikta Irrigation Project.
The project that had started in 2061-62 BS has failed to meet the expected physical progress.
Inspecting the project site today, the Minister directed the bodies concerned to ensure a noticeable progress of the project that aims to provide a reliable irrigation facility to 42,766 hectares of land in Rapti Sonari, Janaki, Baijanath, Duduwa, Narainapur and Kajura Rural Municipalities, Kohalpur Municipality, and the Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis.
Minister Shsretha expressed his view that a successful implementation of the project would bring sustainable positive changes on agriculture production, food security and rural economy. He also made it clear that the government is committed to ensuring budget required for the project implementation, directing for accelerating the construction works.
He, however, assured necessary initiatives to address legal and administrative issues obstructing the completion of the project of national pride on time.
The project was named the national pride project during the fiscal year 2068-69 BS. It has an estimated total cost of Rs around 52.89 billion as per the approved master plan. Its completion is targeted in three phases.
So far, the undertaking reports around 50.50 percent physical progress and 45.3 percent financial progress, with the total spending of around Rs 24 billion. Similarly, irrigation facility has been expanded to about 25,000 hectares of land. (RSS)
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