The Sikta Irrigation Project in Banke, a national pride project aimed at transforming agriculture in the region, has achieved only 41.79% physical progress in 19 years. Launched in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004/05 , with physical construction beginning in FY 2005/06, the project was initially estimated to cost Rs 7.45 billion. As of FY 2024/25, the revised budget has surged to Rs 52.89 billion.
Project Director Raju Acharya stated that the budget has been revised three times over the years. The first revision in November 19, 2007 increased the cost to Rs 12.80 billion. Subsequent revisions have brought the total budget to Rs 52.89 billion. Acharya noted that while the project was initially scheduled to be completed by September 11, 2022, the current timeline has been extended to FY 2032/33.
Engineer Anil Pokharel reported that Rs 21.55 billion has been spent so far, achieving 40.76% financial progress. Out of the Rs 1.60 billion allocated for FY 2024/25, Rs 230 million has been utilized as of mid-December 2024.
The project aims to irrigate 42,766 hectares of land in Banke district by constructing two main canals: the Western Main Canal and the Eastern Main Canal. The Western Canal targets 33,766 hectares, while the Eastern Canal is expected to irrigate 9,000 hectares.
Till date, the project has provided irrigation facilities to 21,000 hectares of land—17,000 hectares from the Western Canal and 4,000 hectares from the Eastern Canal. A total of 45.25 kilometers of construction of the Western Main Canal has been completed, while 37.68 kilometers of the 53.50-kilometer Eastern Main Canal are finished. Additionally, 60% of the branch and sub-branch canals on the western side have been constructed so far.
Despite progress, land acquisition remains a major hurdle. Of the 440 hectares required for canal structures, only 175 hectares have been acquired. Plans to acquire the remaining land are underway, and the project has announced tenders for the main Duduwa branch of the Western Main Canal.
Lift irrigation schemes in Kachnapur, Balapur, and Dhakeri under Rapti Sonari Municipality are nearing completion to supply water to elevated lands above the main canal.
Project officials have cited several challenges impeding progress. These include delays in resource allocation, inadequate budget prioritization, instability in human resources and leadership, complex laws and regulations, and slow land acquisition and environmental surveys. -- RSS