Decades-old irrigation boring repaired, benefiting over 200 families in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur: An 'autogen boring' installed four decades ago for irrigation purposes in Asaina, Shuklaphanta Municipality-4, Kanchanpur, has been repaired and brought back into operation, benefiting more than 200 families.

The ward office allocated Rs 200,000 to repair and reactivate the damaged boring. "We were deprived of irrigation facilities for years due to the deterioration of the borehole," said local resident Nepali Rana. "Continuous water leakage had turned more than two bighas of land nearby into wetlands."

Following the replacement of borehole valves, the fields can now be irrigated as needed, and the water flow can be stopped when not required. Another local, Nathu Rana, noted that continuous leakage had made cultivation difficult, but the recent repairs have enabled systematic irrigation, ensuring an adequate water supply for agriculture.

"In the past, we had to irrigate using a motor connected to our house's pipe because the borehole couldn't supply water for vegetable farming," said Sushila Rana. "After the repair, irrigation has become much easier."

The automatic boring, initially installed to boost agricultural productivity, had functioned smoothly for a few years before becoming idle due to a broken valve. The local community had struggled to gather funds for the repairs, leading to prolonged leakage issues.

Ward Chairman Kamal Thakulla stated that the repairs were carried out following requests from local residents, and a protective wall has also been built around the boring.

The repaired boring discharges six inches of water per second. According to Ward Member Manidatta Pant, the facility now provides irrigation for more than 60 bighas of land, benefitting over 200 farmers in the ward. In addition to irrigation, locals are using the water for washing clothes, drinking, and feeding livestock.