Minister Khadka urges timely completion of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has instructed all stakeholders involved in the construction of the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project to resolve existing challenges and ensure its timely completion.

During a briefing session today on the project’s current implementation status, Minister Khadka emphasized the national importance of the project, reiterating that delays must be urgently addressed. “The Prime Minister has consistently expressed concern over the Sunkoshi-Marin project. It is crucial that we find solutions to complete it on time,” he said.

Criticizing the trend of a single contractor taking on multiple large-scale projects and failing to deliver on schedule, Minister Khadka noted that such practices are hindering Nepal’s development progress.

He also pointed out the slow progress of the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, which is also under the Ministry. “It was supposed to be completed in four years, but even after six years, only 60 percent of the work has been completed. This is deeply concerning,” he stated.

Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi echoed similar concerns, noting that despite repeated visits and reviews by officials from the department and ministry, the Sunkoshi-Marin project has failed to achieve the expected progress.

Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Sanjiv Baral, added that delays are primarily due to the contractor’s failure to meet their commitments.

The Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project is listed as a national pride project and is expected to significantly contribute to irrigation and hydropower generation once completed.