Kathmandu, Jan 28: Agricultural production and farmers’ income levels are expected to increase following the renovation and strengthening of the historic Chandra Nahar Irrigation System, the first modern irrigation project constructed by the Government of Nepal.
Under the Chandra Nahar Irrigation System Restoration Project, a total of 32 major structures of the century-old canal have been reconstructed and reinforced with financial and technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Chandra Nahar Irrigation System, which draws water from the Triyuga River, provides irrigation to approximately 10,500 hectares of farmland through a 28-kilometre-long main canal, 11 branch canals, and several subsidiary canals. Over the years, however, many of its structures had become dilapidated due to prolonged use and inadequate maintenance.
At present, irrigation services are being provided to around 10,500 hectares of land, directly benefiting nearly 35,000 farming households in Saptari district.
Historic Irrigation System
The Chandra Canal Irrigation System is Nepal’s oldest and first modern government-constructed irrigation project. Its construction was initiated by the then Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher in 1979 BS and completed in 1984/85 BS. The project was led by Dilli Jung Thapa, then Colonel of the Royal Army, who served as the Chief Engineer.
The restored and improved structures were formally handed over to the Government of Nepal on behalf of JICA at a special programme held in Saptari on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mitra Baral, Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continued support in the reconstruction and strengthening of the historic canal system. He stated that the rehabilitation works under the Eastern Terai Irrigation System Restoration Project had been successfully completed with JICA’s assistance.
With grant assistance from the Government of Japan and JICA, the reconstruction and reinforcement of 32 major structures under the Eastern Terai Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project have been successfully completed. Officials described the work as an exemplary blend of engineering excellence and technical capability.
It is expected that the restored irrigation system will significantly contribute to multiple cropping, enhanced agricultural production, and increased farmers’ income by ensuring the timely and reliable supply of irrigation water.
According to the Economic Survey, the agricultural sector contributes around 25 percent to Nepal’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while approximately 62 percent of households depend on agriculture for their livelihood. As such, improving agricultural productivity is directly linked to poverty reduction, food security, and overall national prosperity.
The handover programme was attended by Sarita Dawadi, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Susheel Chandra Acharya, Under Secretary; Sinto Yasuharu, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal; Matsuzaki Mizuki, Country Representative of JICA to Nepal; Tikaram Baral, Under Secretary at the Water and Energy Commission; and Basu Timalsina, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, among others. #nepal #canal #agriculture
