'Complete Sunkoshi-Marin diversion multi-purpose project early'

Kathmandu, Aug 23: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has said it was essential to complete the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multi-purpose Project at the earliest.     

During a review meeting on project's progress at the ministry on Friday, Minister Khadka reminded the concerned officials that it was the national pride project, so its early completion gives a positive message. "Let's complete it before deadline and reap benefit," he urged the meeting participants.     

Even the work in three shifts could be adopted for early conclusion of the project being built on foreign loan, he suggested, adding that the project was launched both for irrigation and hydropower.     

He however said the State alone could not accomplish it, so it warranted foreign loan and wide cooperation.     

On the occasion, Minister of State for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Purna Bahadur Tamang, insisted on speeding up the construction to ensure 40 percent works within this current fiscal year. "The ministry is ready to sort out problems surfaced in course of the project, so its works must be intensified," he underscored, directing the subordinates to submit weekly report of the progress.     

Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi also underlined the need for completing the undertaking on time because it was linked to country's future. Even the Prime Minister has shown concern over it, she added.     

Project Director Mitra Baral informed that the project had made 34 percent so far. It has aimed at producing 31MW electricity and irrigating a total of 122 thousand hectares of land from Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat and Bara districts.     

The major part- construction of 13.2km tunnel way- of the project has been over.     

The undertaking is being built by Pattel-Raman JV.(RSS)