The installation of transformers by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in various locations of Saptari district has eased irrigation for farmers, who had been severely affected by drought.

Following the installation of new transformers in various parts of the district by NEA Rajbiraj, deep borings that had remained out of operation have resumed functioning and made it easier for farmers to irrigate their fields.

Chief of NEA Rajbiraj, Lakhanlal Malik, said that the installation of transformers had brought back into operation several borings that had been inactive for years, providing much-needed irrigation support to hundreds of drought-stricken farmers.

He expressed confidence that the operation of these borings following transformer installation would provide significant relief to farmers during dry spells.

According to Malik, new transformers have been installed in Mahuwa and Lalapatti of Chhinnamasta Rural Municipality-2, Kamalpur in Rajbiraj Municipality-10, Damawati in Ward No. 12, Jamuwa in Rajgadh Rural Municipality-4, Dagara Tole in Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality-6, and Parwaha in Dakneshwori Municipality-8.

Due to an insufficient power supply, the deep borings had been left dysfunctional for a long time. Continuous drought had already halted paddy transplantation in lack of irrigation, and the transplanted crops were beginning to dry up in the fields. As the situation worsened, Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate action.

In districts like Saptari in the Madhes region, deep borings remain the only viable option for irrigation during dry periods. The timely supply of electricity in such times has helped save crops and uplifted farmers’ morale.

Similarly, the District Disaster Management Committee also directed the NEA offices in Rajbiraj, Kanchanpur, and Bodebarsain to bring idle deep borings back into operation by addressing the transformer shortage.

Arun Kumar Sah, Chief of NEA Kanchanpur, said that data collection regarding the non-operational deep borings was underway, and the authority had already requested the necessary budget from the Madhes Province Directorate. He also urged relevant stakeholders to facilitate the prompt release of the requested funds.

By Binaya Karn