The Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Development in Karnali Province has signed agreements for 1,016 out of 1,273 projects in the current fiscal year 2024/25 and initiated work on them. However, actual physical progress across these projects stands at just 27 percent so far, according to the ministry’s third-quarter progress report. Another 257 projects are still in the process of finalizing agreements.

These projects encompass a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing water accessibility, irrigation, and energy infrastructure across the province. According to the official website of the Karnali Province government, they include the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water systems, small-scale irrigation canals, micro-hydropower plants, and renewable energy installations. The overarching goal is to improve agricultural productivity, ensure reliable access to clean water, and promote sustainable energy solutions in alignment with the province's development objectives.

Among the districts, Rukum West and Surkhet have shown the weakest implementation performance. In Rukum West, agreements have been signed for 117 out of 164 projects, while in Surkhet, only 124 out of 161 projects have reached the agreement stage. The physical progress in Rukum West stands at 20 percent and in Surkhet at just 25 percent.

In Dailekh, agreements have been signed for 120 out of 145 projects. Jumla has signed 87 out of 104 projects, while Kalikot has signed 131 out of 150. In Salyan, 83 out of 99 projects have reached the implementation phase. Work has begun on 91 of 110 projects in Jajarkot. In Humla, 106 out of 148 projects are progressing well, though 42 projects remain pending due to the district’s lack of road connectivity, according to Jwala Raj Shahi, head of the Drinking Water, Irrigation, and Energy Development Office.

In Mugu, 84 out of 105 projects have been signed. Although Upper Dolpa is connected to the road network, severe snowfall and cold weather have made project implementation difficult there.

The slow pace of overall execution has raised concerns that the ministry may fall short of achieving its development targets for the year. Minister for Water Resources and Energy Development Bijaya Budha stated that they review project details on a quarterly basis.

Karnali Chief Minister Yamalal Kandel has instructed the concerned agencies to ensure implementation of the project for timely completion. Both Minister Budha and Chief Minister Kandel have urged subordinate bodies to expedite development expenditure.

Ministry spokesperson and Senior Divisional Engineer Padamraj Devkota said that delays have been caused by disputes over some projects, frequent changes in office leadership, and duplication in planning. – With inputs from RSS