Tube-wells rendered useless

Siraha, July 5:

Eight deep tube-wells set up for irrigation purposes across Siraha district have been rendered useless, thanks to the increased price of the petroleum products.

The tube-wells were set up around 28 years ago by the Sagarmatha Integrated Village Development Project at the cost of Rs 1.6 million to extend irrigation facility to farmers.

According to the Underground Irrigation Development Project in Lahan, the pumps could be brought back into the operation if the diesel motors were replaced with electric ones.

Once the pumps meant for the irrigation purpose start running, it would reduce the operational costs significantly.

Besides the fuel price, lack of easy availability is also the factor behind the situation.