Mahakali canal ready, but water remains elusive
Summary
The Mahakali Irrigation Project’s third phase has completed key canal infrastructure in Kanchanpur, but farmers still cannot receive water because India has not released supplies from the Tanakpur Barrage. Officials say the canal will remain idle until the issue is resolved through diplomatic intervention.
Key Points
- Infrastructure for irrigating 5,000 hectares under the Mahakali Irrigation Project’s third phase has been completed, but the canal remains dry.
- India has not released water from the Tanakpur Barrage, despite repeated requests from Nepalese officials.
- The project could become operational only after diplomatic-level intervention, according to Project Director Ganesh Marasini.
- The third phase of the project aims to irrigate 33,520 hectares across Kailali and Kanchanpur, with Rs 10.74 billion already spent.
