Far-western government submits 10-point memorandum to Prime Minister

Dhangadhi: The Far-Western provincial government has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, calling for transformative development initiatives. Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah sent the memorandum, urging the federal government to prioritize sectoral strategic plans and programs in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and to ensure adequate investment for the region’s development and prosperity.

The memorandum outlines 10 key demands:
Transport Infrastructure and Highway Upgrading: The government has called for the rapid expansion and completion of north-south road networks by accelerating strategic projects such as the Mahakali Corridor, Seti Lokmarg, and Karnali Corridor. It has also urged the upgrading of the East-West Highway from Chisapani to Gaddachauki into a six-lane road, along with necessary budget allocation to improve the Bhimdatta Highway and Mid-Hill Highway into safe double-lane roads.

Health and Education Sector: The memorandum emphasizes operating the Shaheed Dashrath Chand University of Health Sciences at full capacity, including immediate commencement of undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. It also calls for national policy reforms and financial support to upgrade hospitals and strengthen service delivery across the province.

Energy and Hydropower Sector: The government has requested priority for major projects such as the Paschim Seti, SR-6, Betan Karnali, Karnali Chisapani, and Pancheshwor Multipurpose projects. It stresses the need for coordination and investment to develop Sudurpaschim into an energy hub, noting that timely completion of these “game changer” projects could transform both the province and the nation.

Sports Sector: To establish Dhangadhi as a cricket city, the memorandum highlights the need to advance the Fapla Cricket Ground as a flagship project, including the construction of an international-standard stadium with adequate budget and expedited implementation. The project is expected to boost sports tourism and enhance Nepal’s national and international profile.

Tourism Infrastructure and Trekking Routes: The government has called for the development of key religious and natural destinations such as Khaptad, Badimalika, Ramaroshan, Mansarovar route (Bajhang-Humla), Shuklaphanta, and Api-Saipal Himal. It proposes developing the Khaptad-Badimalika-Ramaroshan route as an integrated tourist circuit and allocating sufficient resources for trekking and climbing infrastructure.

Water Resources, Irrigation and Disaster Management: The memorandum urges acceleration of major irrigation projects, including the Mahakali Irrigation Project (Phase 3) and Ranijamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, to enhance agricultural productivity and transform the region into a food hub.

Long-term Disaster Management: It highlights the need for a comprehensive master plan to manage river erosion and protect embankments and settlements along major rivers such as the Mahakali, Seti, and Karnali, noting that the provincial government alone cannot implement such large-scale initiatives.

Trade Infrastructure: The government has called for increased budget and priority to expedite the Dodhara-Chandani dry port project and key trade routes, including the Mahakali Corridor and Khutia-Dipayal-Urai route. It also stresses the need for an integrated customs system and upgraded quarantine laboratories at key checkpoints such as Gaddachauki, Trinagar, Khakraula, Jhulaghat, and Darchula.

Industrial Development: The memorandum calls for a concrete federal package to accelerate the development of Daiji-Chela and Dudejhadi industrial zones, aimed at promoting industrialization and job creation. It also emphasizes the need to establish industrial villages, special economic zones, and processing industries for herbs and local products to boost value-added and export-oriented production.

Provincial Capital: The government has requested clear direction from the federal level regarding the finalization of the provincial capital, stating that despite repeated coordination, the issue remains unresolved.