Kathmandu – Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has announced that the government will take initiative in the reconstruction of flood-affected Melamchi and Helambu areas in Sindhupalchok district. Speaking during an on-site inspection of the region, Minister Khadka pledged active government involvement in rebuilding efforts and unveiled plans for improved irrigation systems in the area.

“I am committed to the reconstruction of Melamchi and Helambu following the devastating floods. Let’s all work together for the development of this historically significant area,” Minister Khadka stated during the visit.

Highlighting the government’s priority on irrigation management, Minister Khadka emphasized the importance of utilizing fertile land in the hilly region. He announced the initiation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to channel water from the Indrawati River for irrigation across 22 terraces in Indrawati Rural Municipality, Bhimtar.

“Irrigation management is crucial to boosting agricultural production in hilly areas. Our ministry is actively working in this direction, and I personally am ready to support this initiative,” he added.

The devastating flood of June 15, 2021 (Asar 1, 2078 B.S.) caused extensive loss of life and property in the Melamchi and Helambu areas. Despite the scale of destruction, reconstruction efforts have remained slow. The recent visit was organized with the active involvement of Nepali Congress leader and local Member of Parliament Mohan Basnet. He was accompanied by Minister Khadka, State Minister Khamba Bahadur Garbuja, Irrigation Secretary Sarita Dawadi, and Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Sanjeev Baral.

During the inspection, local residents handed over a memorandum to Minister Khadka, urging swift reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure. They expressed concerns over the limited resources available at the local level and emphasized the need for immediate government intervention.

Responding to the locals’ concerns, Minister Khadka assured that the government would give high priority to the reconstruction of flood and landslide-damaged infrastructure. “We will coordinate with the relevant authorities and expedite the reconstruction work,” he affirmed.

With increased government attention and the support of local leadership, residents are hopeful that the affected areas will soon witness significant progress in reconstruction efforts.