Minister Ghising says efforts underway with India to release irrigation water from Tanakpur Barrage

KANCHANPUR: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has said that necessary initiatives and coordination are underway with India to release water into Nepal-bound canals from the Tanakpur Barrage in Kanchanpur to facilitate irrigation.

Inspecting the Tanakpur Barrage located at Brahmadev on Wednesday morning under the third phase of the national pride Mahakali Irrigation Project, Minister Ghising said continuous discussions are being held with the Indian side through bilateral mechanisms and high-level meetings between the two countries. He added that official correspondence on the matter is also ongoing.

The minister expressed confidence that India would soon take a decision to release water, noting that Nepal has already completed the construction of the main canal along with branch and sub-branch canals on its side. These structures are expected to provide immediate irrigation facilities to around 5,000 hectares of drought-affected farmland in Kanchanpur.

According to the Integrated Mahakali Treaty signed between Nepal and India, Nepal is entitled to receive 300 cusecs of water during the winter season and 1,000 cusecs during the monsoon season from the Mahakali River.

Structures required to utilize the allocated water for irrigation purposes have already been constructed in accordance with the treaty provisions. However, despite an investment of nearly Rs 9 billion, the project has yet to yield tangible benefits, leading to criticism at the local level.

Project officials said that the lack of water operation has caused the constructed infrastructure to begin deteriorating, raising concerns over potential long-term damage and wastage of public investment.

The Mahakali Irrigation Project aims to provide sustainable irrigation facilities to a total of 33,000 hectares of land, including 28,000 hectares through surface irrigation systems and 5,000 hectares through underground irrigation. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods in the region.

The total estimated cost of the Mahakali Irrigation Project stands at Rs 35 billion.