Mahakali irrigation project phase 3: Canal constructed but water flow yet to begin

Kanchanpur: It has been a year since the completion of the 28-kilometer main canal of the third phase of the Mahakali Irrigation Project, extending from Brahmadev to Phuleli in Shuklaphanta Municipality. An additional 20 kilometers of canal, from Phuleli to Godavari in Kailali, is currently under construction, with half of the 22 branch canals already built along the 28-kilometer main canal.

Despite the infrastructure being ready to provide irrigation facilities across 3,000 hectares, farmers have yet to benefit as water has not been released from the Tanakpur barrage in India. Although the canal has been constructed and tested, water flow has not resumed since the initial test four years ago, when Paddy Day was celebrated with water from Tanakpur.

Dr. Yogendra Mishra, Project Director of the Mahakali Irrigation Project Phase 3, explained that water availability would enable irrigation for 3,000 hectares immediately, with potential expansion to 5,000 hectares. However, efforts to release water have been stalled as the National Hydropower Corporation (NHPC) insists on a formal inauguration of the project by the Prime Ministers of both countries before commencing water release. NHPC officials have indicated that water release will await directives from Delhi.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's upcoming visit to India in Bhadra presents an opportunity to prioritize this issue, potentially securing water access as per the Mahakali Treaty. Once water is available, construction progress is expected to accelerate, as the lack of water has impeded land acquisition and development efforts.

Challenges including land acquisition disputes—especially demands for higher compensation and the presence of public and freed Kamaiya lands—along with forest-related issues, have delayed project progress. According to treaty agreements, Nepal should receive 300 cusecs of water from Tanakpur in winter and 1,000 cusecs during the rainy season.

Construction on the third phase began in fiscal year 2063/64 but gained momentum only after the project was designated a national pride project in 2076/77. The overall project aims to build 151 kilometers of canal, including the main canal, to provide irrigation across 33,520 hectares in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.

To date, approximately Rs. 9 billion has been spent on the project, with Rs. 2 billion allocated for the current fiscal year. The first and second phases of the Mahakali Irrigation Project have already enabled irrigation over 11,600 hectares in Kanchanpur, including areas of Bhimdatta, Bedkot municipalities, and Beldandi rural municipality.

The first phase, completed in 2048 BS, irrigates 4,800 hectares, while the second phase, completed in 2052 BS, serves 6,800 hectares. Upon completion of the third phase, irrigation coverage will expand to 35,000 hectares across Kailali and Kanchanpur, significantly boosting agricultural productivity in the region.