Banking News — Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed concerned authorities to complete the Sikta Irrigation Project within the stipulated timeframe after expressing concern over its slow physical progress.

During an on-site inspection of the project, which has been under construction since Fiscal Year 2061/62 (2004/05), Minister Shrestha instructed project officials and contractors to accelerate the remaining work and ensure timely completion.

The project aims to provide reliable irrigation facilities to 42,766 hectares of cultivable land across Rapti Sonari, Janaki, Baijanath, Duduwa, Narainapur, and Khajura rural municipalities, as well as Kohalpur Municipality and Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City in Banke District.

Under the project plan, the Western Main Canal is expected to irrigate 33,766 hectares, while the Eastern Main Canal will provide irrigation to approximately 9,000 hectares.

Minister Shrestha expressed confidence that the successful implementation of the project would bring long-term improvements in agricultural production, food security, and the rural economy of Banke District.

During the inspection, he also interacted with project staff and beneficiary farmers, assuring them of the government’s commitment to securing the necessary budget and urging all stakeholders to expedite construction.

He further pledged to take the necessary initiatives to resolve legal, administrative, and procedural hurdles that have delayed the implementation of the national pride project. According to the minister, procedures related to multi-year contracts and project agreements will be simplified to improve efficiency.

Shrestha said the Sikta Irrigation Project would serve not only as a major infrastructure development initiative but also as a long-term foundation for agricultural modernization, increased farm productivity, strengthened food security, and higher incomes for farmers in Banke.

He also held discussions with local farmers to assess the ongoing paddy plantation season and gather feedback on the challenges they are facing.

The Sikta Irrigation Project was designated a National Pride Project in Fiscal Year 2068/69 (2011/12). According to its approved master plan, the project has an estimated total cost of approximately Rs. 52.89 billion and is scheduled to be completed in three phases, with work currently underway in the second phase.

The government has set a target to complete the project by Fiscal Year 2089/90 (2032/33).

According to project officials, the project has so far achieved 50.50 percent physical progress and 45.53 percent financial progress, with approximately Rs. 24.08 billion spent to date. Irrigation facilities have already been extended to nearly 25,000 hectares of farmland.