No expected progress in 8 national pride projects under energy ministry

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER  27 : Despite eight national pride projects under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, progress has fallen short of expectations. Although the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project was completed and operational, it is currently shut down due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall on October 11 and 12.

Reconstruction efforts are underway to resume operations promptly. However, the progress of other projects under the ministry remains unsatisfactory.

The Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project has completed tunnel construction, but other components have seen limited advancement. The project has achieved 34.90% physical progress and 31.49% financial progress. According to a report submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, challenges in contract management for the dam site and power plant have significantly hindered progress.

Issues such as inadequate transportation of heavy goods from the BP Highway, limited mobilization of resources and manpower by contractors, and delays in implementation have further compounded the challenges.

The project aims to provide irrigation facilities to 122,000 hectares of land and generate 31.07 MW of electricity, with a target completion date set for fiscal year 2085/86 BS.

The Sikta Irrigation Project, initiated in fiscal year 2061/62 BS, has achieved only 41.79% physical progress. Even after 20 years, unresolved legal disputes have delayed implementation. Complicated and contentious land acquisition processes have prolonged timelines, while urbanization and fragmentation of agricultural land in irrigated areas have created additional obstacles.

The Dudhuwa Canal project has also faced encroachment. With an estimated cost of NPR 52.89 billion, this project aims to provide irrigation to 42,000 hectares of land. To address the delays, the government has prioritized resolving legal disputes, simplifying land acquisition, and protecting agricultural land to expedite progress.

The Bheri Babai Diversion Project, a key river diversion initiative, has faced setbacks due to poor contractor management, insufficient resources, and inadequate workforce mobilization. Challenges such as limited technical expertise for design reviews, the annual clearing of flood debris, and the nearing expiration of consultancy services have further delayed the project.

To overcome these challenges, a high-level task force is needed to facilitate technical processes and enforce stricter contract management. Initiated in fiscal year 2071/72 BS, the project is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2084/85 BS. With an estimated cost of NPR 36.80 billion, the project aims to generate 46.8 MW of electricity and provide irrigation to 51,000 hectares of land.

The Babai Irrigation Project has also faced significant budgetary and management issues. Initiated in fiscal year 2045/46 BS, with a targeted completion by 2082/83 BS, the project’s progress has been marred by ongoing challenges. Its revised cost is NPR 18.96 billion, and it aims to provide irrigation to 36,000 hectares of arable land.

The Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, started in fiscal year 2067/68 BS, was scheduled for completion by fiscal year 2080/81 BS. The first phase aimed to irrigate 14,300 hectares of land, with the second phase targeting an additional 24,000 hectares. Despite achieving 74.36% physical progress and 72.39% financial progress, the Karnali River damaged key structures under the river control program, necessitating urgent reconstruction.

The Mahakali Irrigation Project, initiated in fiscal year 2063/64 BS, has made only 23.50% physical progress and 23.49% financial progress. Estimated at NPR 35.02 billion, the project aims to irrigate 33,520 hectares of land. However, delays in compensation distribution, lack of infrastructure to utilize water as per the Mahakali Treaty, and the absence of facilities to receive 10 cumecs of water in the Dodhara-Chandani area have significantly hampered progress.

The Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, which aims to generate 1,200 MW of electricity, faces financial uncertainty. Although NPR 42.87 billion has been spent on compensation distribution, physical progress is just 10%.

Acknowledging the slow pace of these national pride projects, the government has proposed several solutions. These include establishing clear criteria for selecting such projects, implementing a "sunset law" to ensure timely execution, completing all preparatory work before implementation, and holding officials accountable for project progress.

The government also plans to enhance coordination with federal, provincial, and local bodies, ensure efficient management and allocation of staff, and improve overall contract and sub-project management to ensure timely and effective project completion.

 

 

 

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