Bharatpur: The 13 underground micro-irrigation projects constructed in Bharatpur Metropolitan City (BMC) in Chitwan have successfully provided irrigation facilities to approximately 300 hectares of land. This development was announced at a program organized at Aalamghat of BMC-23, where these projects were officially handed over to the respective user group committees.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bishwa Bandhu KC, Chief of the Underground Irrigation Project in Chitwan, stated that these projects were specifically implemented to supply irrigation services to farmlands that lacked alternative irrigation facilities. The Narmadeshwor Underground Irrigation Project and Manakamana Underground Irrigation Project at BMC-15 were among those transferred, along with the Rukheni Project at BMC-18.
Additional projects handed over include the Sangam Project, Samjhauta Project, and Juntara Project at BMC-21, as well as the Patihani Parsa Project at BMC-22. At VBMC-23, the Thadokhola Project, Kerung Project, Sange Project, and Phalguni Project were transferred. Bhagauli Project at BMC-25 and Jhyauretandi Project at BMC-27 have also been transferred.
KC reported that over 730 million rupees were allocated for these projects, with 19,531 meters of pipes installed to facilitate water supply to drought-affected lands, contributing to BMC’s goal of expanding arable land within the metropolis. Local farmers have expressed that planting crops has become easier due to these projects. Yam Prasad Lamichhane, a beneficiary of the Patihani Parsa Project, noted that the irrigation issue in his locality has been addressed. Similarly, Manibhadra Kandel, a beneficiary of the Narmadeshwor Project at BMC-15, shared the farmers’ relief now that they have access to water for their drought-affected lands.
Beneficiaries Anita Waiba and Kamala Kumari Bishwakarma acknowledged that the irrigation of farmland has been simplified due to the Phalguni and Kerunga projects. During the handover ceremony, BMC Mayor Renu Dahal emphasized that the irrigation facilities have resolved the issues of barren land on the western side of Bharatpur. The Mayor reiterated BMC’s commitment to continuously support farmers with necessary assistance, highlighting the added convenience brought by the deep boring system for irrigation.