Sikta Irrigation Project reaches only 46% progress in two decades

Banke, April 18: The Sikta Irrigation Project has achieved only 46 percent physical progress even after nearly two decades since its commencement in fiscal year 2061/62 BS.

Project Director Raju Acharya said that a total expenditure of Rs 23.77 billion has been incurred so far, reflecting 44.95 percent financial progress alongside 46 percent physical progress.

For the current fiscal year, Rs 3.30 billion has been allocated, of which Rs 1.57 billion has already been spent. As of Chaitra, more than Rs 857.79 million has been utilised this fiscal year alone, he added.

The project, being developed by constructing a dam on the Rapti River in Raptisonari Rural Municipality-3, is designed to provide irrigation facilities across 42,766 hectares of land. So far, irrigation has been extended to around 24,000 hectares.

Information Officer and Senior Divisional Engineer Manoj Kumar Sah said the project will be completed in three phases, with an estimated cost of Rs 12.8 billion for the first two phases, excluding the third phase.

He added that once completed, the project is expected to benefit around 400,000 farmers from 17,000 households in Banke district by ensuring year-round irrigation facilities.