7.5 km canal constructed in 38 years

By Raju Lamichhane,Rukum West, Apr. 22: Thirty eight years after its construction began, an irrigation canal in Rukum West has been completed. The 7.5km Gijagar-Dadagaun Irrigation Project in Aathbiskot Municipality-11 of the district has been completed in 38 years.

With the construction of the canal, the water has started flowing in the farms which has elated the local farmers.

Lok Bahadur Khatri, 76, of Aathbiskot Municipality-11, said that the canal, whose construction had begun during the Panchayat period in 1985, was completed only after the country became a federal democratic republic.

He said that water flowed for the first time in the canal built in front his house, and he was able to irrigate the wheat field.

He believed that the agricultural land of Chaur, Gattasaina, Tusare, Simpakha and other villages in the area would not remain barren now onwards.

Shiva Bahadur Oli, 62, said that after a long effort, water had been released in the  irrigation canal.

“In the first year, the construction work had started with a budget of mere Rs. 75,000,” said Oli. “At that time, I also worked to build this canal and received  daily wage of Rs. 5,” he added. 

It is said that the plan could not be completed in a short time due to geographical difficulties, armed conflict and in lack of budget.

 Locals said that during the Maoist conflict, the construction work had come to a complete halt. Even the iron rods that were laid in different places for the construction of the canal at that time were taken out.

Drinking Water, Irrigation and Energy Development Office Rukum West said that the construction work had started through the Tar Irrigation Office, Chaurjahari, under the District Irrigation Project.

Dilli Bahadur Oli,  technical assistant of the office, said that the irrigation canal was completed with an investment of around Rs. 60 million.

The canal will provide irrigation facilities to 85 hectares of land. Oli informed that about 600 households will benefit from the canal.