Energy minister raises concern over slow progress at Sikta Irrigation Project

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has expressed concern over the slow physical progress of the Sikta Irrigation Project, which began in 2061‑62 BS.  

Inspecting the project site today, the minister directed concerned agencies to accelerate construction to ensure visible progress on the scheme, which aims to provide reliable irrigation to 42,766 hectares across Rapti Sonari, Janaki, Baijanath, Duduwa, Narainapur and Kajura rural municipalities, Kohalpur Municipality and Nepalgunj Sub‑metropolis.

Minister Shrestha said successful implementation would bring sustainable improvements in agricultural production, food security and the rural economy, and he affirmed the government’s commitment to provide the required budget while instructing officials to speed up work. He also pledged initiatives to resolve legal and administrative obstacles hindering timely completion.

The project, declared a national pride project in 2068/69 BS, has an estimated cost of about Rs 52.89 billion and is planned in three phases. So far, it reports roughly 50.50% physical progress and 45.3% financial progress, with about Rs 24 billion spent and irrigation extended to around 25,000 hectares.

By RSS