Construction of Sunkoshi Marine Diversion accelerates
The project, regarded as a national pride, has already completed 13.2 kilometers of tunneling.
KATHMANDU: The construction work of the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion, located at the Ramechhap-Sindhuli border, has recently gained momentum after progressing slowly due to flood damage last Ashoj 12.
Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka inspected the project site on Jestha 18 and instructed the concerned staff and contractors to complete the work within the scheduled time.
Following his directive, the pace of construction has significantly increased.
During the monitoring visit, Minister Khadka warned contractors that if targets were not met, the government could consider alternative options. He also assured that faster work would lead to quicker payments.
This encouragement has driven the contractors to expedite their efforts.
The project, regarded as a national pride, has already completed 13.2 kilometers of tunneling.
However, the construction of the headworks (headbox) has only reached 20 percent completion. Contractors are now focused on accelerating this phase to finish it promptly.
The floods in Ashoj last year severely damaged the under-construction headbox, causing significant setbacks and slow progress since then.
Raman Pattel, contractor from Patel Raman Joint Venture, currently handling the headbox construction, revealed that payments have not been made according to the bills, and flood damage has made it difficult to meet the deadline.
However, following the minister’s assurances to address all demands, work has gained renewed momentum.
Once completed, the project is expected to irrigate 122,000 hectares of land across more than eight Terai districts, generate 32 megawatts of electricity, and provide 10 percent of the total water for drinking purposes.
According to Sanjiv Baral, Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, a total of Rs 1.2 billion has been spent so far on this Rs 14 billion project.
Currently, construction of the dam (headbox) is underway at Seleghat, Ward No. 6, Manthali Municipality, Ramechhap.
