Nepal's Ministry of Energy Accelerates National Pride Irrigation Projects with Ambitious Five-Year Completion Target

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expedite the completion of Nepal's national pride irrigation projects, setting a revised five-year deadline for all major initiatives. This strategic move aims to inject new momentum into critical infrastructure development, which is vital for bolstering the nation's agricultural productivity and overall economic resilience.

During a high-level discussion on the status and future action plans of these projects, Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha issued directives for a comprehensive review of project timelines. He emphasized the need for a clear roadmap, result-oriented monitoring, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and a robust system for defining responsibilities to ensure projects under the ministry are completed within the stipulated timeframes. Specifically, Minister Shrestha urged accelerated progress on the Bheri-Babai Multipurpose, Babai, and Sikta irrigation projects, targeting their completion within the next three dry seasons.

Beyond mere construction, the Minister underscored the importance of integrating modern technologies like SCADA for equitable water distribution during dry seasons. He also called for special irrigation action plans for winter crops and a strategic linkage between irrigation projects, agriculture, and industry to maximize overall economic returns. "It is time for the state's investment to reach the farmers' fields," Minister Shrestha asserted, advocating for policies that establish irrigation as a fundamental driver of economic growth. Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi reiterated the ministry's commitment to providing necessary coordination to ensure timely project completion and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts.

To enhance oversight and efficiency, the MoEWRI is establishing a dedicated "Setu" (Irrigation Implementation and Monitoring Unit). This unit will serve as a crucial bridge for coordination between project sites and the ministry. Furthermore, major construction sites will be equipped with CCTV cameras, allowing for direct, real-time monitoring from the ministry. An integrated dashboard will track physical and financial progress, land acquisition, forest clearances, and payments. An early warning system will also be developed to trigger immediate reviews if progress falls short of expectations.

A significant shift in accountability measures requires project chiefs to now report delays in terms of specific months, rather than vague percentages. They must also provide clear commitments for remaining work, quantified in kilometers or hectares. To address cross-ministerial hurdles, regular coordination will be maintained at the ministerial level with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, and local authorities.

According to Mohan Kumar Shakya, Head of the Ministry's Planning Division, action plans have been meticulously prepared, targeting the completion of most projects within the next five years. A detailed overview of the current status of key national pride irrigation projects reveals both progress and persistent challenges:

• Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Project: With a total estimated cost of NPR 61.65 billion, NPR 17 billion has been expended, achieving 32% physical progress. The project aims to irrigate 122,000 hectares.
• Bheri-Babai Multipurpose Project: This project, costing NPR 33.20 billion, has seen NPR 19.30 billion spent, reaching 66.4% physical progress. It is targeted for completion within the next two years.
• Sikta Irrigation Project: Valued at NPR 52.89 billion, this project has achieved 51% physical progress. The technical challenge of 'dispersive soil' is being addressed, with a five-year completion target.
• Rani Jamara-Kulariya Irrigation Project: At a cost of NPR 30 billion, physical progress stands at 75%. Land acquisition and compensation remain primary challenges. An additional 18,000 hectares are slated for development with World Bank support, to be completed within five years.
• Babai Irrigation Project: This project, with a cost of NPR 26.69 billion, has reached 81.97% physical progress and is targeted for completion by Fiscal Year 2085/86.
• Mahakali Irrigation Project: Estimated at NPR 37 billion, it has achieved 31% physical progress. The uncertainty of water supply from India poses a significant challenge, with a completion target set for Fiscal Year 2091/92.

The ministry acknowledges that past delays were often attributed to contractor inefficiencies and scope expansions. However, the new framework promises a more accountable approach, with measurable targets, clearly designated responsible officials, and rigorous quarterly progress reviews, signaling a determined push to realize these vital national aspirations. This renewed focus on timely execution and robust monitoring is expected to significantly enhance the return on public investment and contribute substantially to Nepal's agricultural sector and broader economic development.