PM Oli Inaugurates Second Phase of Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project

The second phase of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project in Kailali district has been completed amid delays caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, monsoon disruptions, and uneven contractor performance. The national pride project, which is being implemented in multiple phases with World Bank funding, is ultimately designed to irrigate 38,300 hectares across the Sudur Paschim Province at an estimated cost of USD 49 million.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday inaugurated the second phase along with a 4.71 MW hydropower project and a 33 kV transmission line built under the scheme. The irrigation system completed under this phase now supplies water to 14,300 hectares of land. Electricity generated from the irrigation canal at Katashe in Janaki Rural Municipality‑9 has also been connected to the grid.

The second phase currently serves Tikapur, Lamkichuha, and Janaki rural municipalities, while the upcoming third phase is planned to expand irrigation to Bhajani, Joshipur, Bardagoriya, and Ghodaghodi.

Read: Completion of Rani-Kulariya Irrigation Project Nowhere In Sight Though Deadline Nears Expiration 

Calling the project a milestone for Nepal’s water resources and rural agriculture, Prime Minister Oli said it would improve rural livelihoods, increase agricultural production, and strengthen self‑reliance in energy and food security.

He also noted the project’s unique origin: the Rani Jamara Kulariya irrigation system began over 120 years ago as a farmer‑managed initiative using traditional canals fed by the Karnali River. It has since evolved into one of Nepal’s largest modern irrigation networks through community participation and government coordination.

The project’s original completion target was Fiscal Year 2023/24, but progress slowed due to the pandemic and logistical challenges. It is being implemented in stages to modernize intakes, feeder and branch canals, and flood protection structures, while strengthening Water Users Associations to manage the expanded network sustainably.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli also directed authorities to expedite other national pride projects, including Sikta, Babai, Mahakali III, Bheri‑Babai, and Sunkoshi Marine Multipurpose Projects, to ensure their timely completion.  – With inputs from RSS