‘Solar Water Lifting Project’ begins in Halesi to irrigate 500 ropanis

KATHMANDU: A solar water lifting project has been launched in Chyasmitar, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-3,Khotang,  to irrigate the farmlands of 32 households in Dalfu.

The initiative, named ‘Chyasmitar Solar Water Lifting Project,’ aims to channel water from Firkukhola to the fields of Dhalfu, which is prone to drought.

The project is expected to enhance irrigation facilities and support the livelihood of local farmers, said Kamal Giri, spokesperson of Halesi Tuwachung Municipality and chairman of Ward No. 7, Mahadevsthan.

Funded under the UNDP/GEF Watershed-Based Climate Resilient Livelihood Project, the initiative has been allocated a budget of Rs 169.13 million.

The project was inaugurated by Mayor Bimala Rai on Jan 27 and is scheduled for completion within three months.

The contract for the project was awarded to Suryodaya Urja Pvt. Ltd. on Nov 19, with the goal of making it operational by Feb 28, 2025.

Once completed, the system will irrigate approximately 500 ropanis of land, said project official and civil engineer Astaram Chhukung.

The project’s design includes three reservoir tanks positioned between Firkukhola and the village, located about 1,200 meters uphill.

Water will be lifted from the river to the first and second tanks using solar power, while the final lift to the third tank will utilize electricity from the national grid.

The municipality has agreed to manage the necessary electricity supply.

Apart from irrigation, the lifted water will also be suitable for drinking, addressing a long-standing water scarcity in Dalfu. Until now, residents have relied on carrying water from nearby rivers and springs.

Chyasmitar and other wards of the municipality have been struggling with drinking water shortages, affecting nearly 20,000 people.

Many residents still depend on rainwater collection or water transported from the Dudhkoshi River.

Meanwhile, the municipality’s ambitious ‘Greater Halesi Lift Drinking Water Project,’ aimed at supplying Dudhkoshi water to every household, has stalled due to contractor negligence.

Despite a federal investment of Rs 9.64 billion, the project remains incomplete.