KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 26
Stakeholders have called for urgent resolution of issues surrounding the Sikta Irrigation Project at the local level. This national pride project has been stalled for over two decades due to policy-related challenges.
Locals have emphasized the need to expedite the project without further delay. During discussions with the Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives, stakeholders and locals urged swift action to accelerate the project's implementation.
Committee member Thakur Gaire highlighted the importance of the project for the people of Banke and stressed that the issue of canal area encroachment should be resolved in coordination with local authorities.
National Water Consumers' Federation Chair Shalikram Dangi expressed concerns that at the current pace, the project might take another 40 years to complete. He criticized the lack of consideration for the sentiments of Banke farmers.
Local resident Bhim Oli claimed that the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) contains flaws and called for its revision.
The project, initially designed to provide irrigation to 34,000 hectares of land within a decade, has fallen far behind schedule.
An inspection delegation, including HoR members Surya Dhakal and Dipa Sharma, Province Assembly members Badshah Kurmi and Bhandarilal Yadav, as well as Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolis Mayor Prashant Bist, reviewed the project's progress.
The team, accompanied by Project Chief Raju Acharya and technical staff, directed the government to expedite project execution to ensure timely completion.
