Artificial reservoirs turn Ghorahi green

By Our Correspondent, Ghorahi, Jan. 26: Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan city used to turn dry even before the onset of winter.

But no longer. After the local governments, in an effort to conserve water and manage irrigation system, stepped in and build artificial reservoirs, the tide has turned. The city is now blanketed in greenery. That has also brought more farmers in agricultural activities. 

During the past seven years, 43 reservoirs have been constructed in different wards of Ghorahi. Ghorahi Sub Metropolis in collaboration with the provincial and federal governments have constructed reservoirs  in an area of about 50 acres at a cost of more than Rs. 202 million. At a time when drying up of water sources at alarming rates has become a source of worry, this step of the metropolis has won the hearts and minds of the people. 

Among the 19 wards of the metropolis, 34 water reserviors have been constructed in 14 wards, with the maximum number of eight constructed in Ward No. 17. There are five reservoirs in Ward No. 1: Charinge, Bhote, Chepe, Gawre and Chure. Similarly, Chepe, Balrampur and Shahre of Ward No. 2 have reservoirs. A local Mahesh Chaudhary said that Chepe Reservoir, which supplies water for irrigation to Surkedangi, Bahuntari, Raitari and other places, is developing into an attractive destination for water recreational activities. 

According to the city, Sirugaira Reservoir has been constructed in Ward No. 4; Amare, Charikhutte, Chharchhare, Rohini, Suki Dah in Ward No. 5; Dharapani, Bhamki Wetland in Ward No. 6; Ma Lakhware, Pipal-Chhahari, Fachakpur Lower and Fachakpur Upper Reservoirs in Ward No. 8; Laraina Reservoir, Thanti village reservoir in Ward No. 11. 

Similarly, Jangkholi, Vanbatika and Satat has three reservoirs in Ward No. 12; Bahrkune Reservoir in Ward No. 13; two reservoirs of Gangtia lower and upper in Ward No. 16; Kathi, Dhikpur, Arogya, Karjahi, Dabri, Gulria, Okhara, Kamalpokhri in Ward No. 18, among others, have been constructed.  

Since the reservoirs have directly supported agriculture, fish farming and tourism, more and more locals have found their means of livelihood. That has led the metropolis to prioritise the construction of more. Within the sub-metropolitan city, municipalities and wards in coordination with some provincial governments and the central government are managing resources and budgets for the expansion of such reservoirs and small ponds. 

Engineer Yuvraj Poudel, Head of Infrastructure Division of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan city, said that along with the multi-purpose nature of the constructed reservoirs, there is a need of addition budget for their sustainable management. “The enhancement of existing reservoirs and additional reservoirs requires budget management work in coordination with the municipal, ward, state and union levels. Preparations are being made for that,” he said. 

He added, “Artificial reservoirs are working for irrigation and tourism promotion along with water conservation.” 

Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan city Chief Narulal Chaudhary said that the irrigation campaign would increase agriculture and water resources of the city and inspire people to take up agriculture on the lands that have been getting dryer. The aim is to manage water resources, store rainwater and aid irrigation, tourism, agriculture and environmental protection. Sushila Chaudhary, a resident of Arogya Tole, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City 17, said that with the construction of the reservoir, the problem of wells drying up during winter has come to an end.