The progress of the Bheri-Babai Diversion multipurpose project has been found to be disappointing. Delays in construction have made the project’s objectives uncertain.

While the project shows annual progress on the surface, stakeholders are not sure when citizens will actually benefit from its services such as irrigation and electricity.

Although the project has gained attention for tunnel construction, it has diverted focus from the main objective of channeling water from the Bheri River to the Babai. According to Dinesh Paudel, information officer of the Babai Irrigation Project, distributing Bheri River water via the Babai irrigation canal system can ensure that farmers receive adequate water at the right time.

He added that providing sufficient irrigation could allow farmers to double crop production per hectare. Furthermore, with irrigation, farmers could cultivate up to four crops annually. “Through the Babai irrigation canal system, Bheri River water will be supplied to 36,000 hectares in Bardiya and 15,000 hectares in Banke,” he said, “Even if water is not diverted to the Babai River via the tunnel, the canal system can irrigate 28,000 hectares of land.”

Despite the first priority being irrigation followed by 46.8 MW electricity production, advancing hydro-mechanical and electro-mechanical work together has created various obstacles, causing delays in the Bheri-Babai Diversion Project.

With land acquisition in Bardiya National Park, the Nepal Electricity Authority has started expanding the 133 kV Kohalpur-Surkhet transmission line, preparing for the multipurpose project’s transmission line expansion. However, lack of consent from the park has stalled the work. Ignoring key priorities has made the project increasingly problematic.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 3.3 billion. Even though tender bids reduced costs, uncertainty remains over the completion date. Senior engineer Haribahadur Thapa confirmed that work has not progressed as planned, citing delays in civil construction.

Earlier this week, Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel, during an on-site inspection, expressed dissatisfaction over the project’s disappointing progress. Being a government priority in western Nepal, the project has drawn the federal government’s attention to prevent further delays. Kandel raised serious concerns that federal inaction could make achieving project goals impossible.

Farmers of Bardiya and Banke frustrated

The project aims to irrigate 51,000 hectares by channeling water from the Bheri River to Babai, benefiting farmers in Bardiya and Banke. However, delays have left local farmers worried. Those who have awaited irrigation for over a decade are disappointed. Farmers like Rambahadur Chaudhary allege that ambitious government plans for electricity expansion have deprived them of irrigation rights.

Fourth extension planned for civil contract

Chinese company Guangdong partnered with Nepali company Raman for headworks, surge shaft, and powerhouse construction. Concerns arose after the Chinese company reduced its share to 34 percent in the tender. Even after a third extension, the work remains incomplete.

Last week, a Republica correspondent visited the Chiphle site in Bheri Ganga-11, finding it deserted. Locals reported that neither employees nor construction representatives were present. With only 57 percent progress achieved in six months, civil work remains incomplete. Extending the deadline again appears inevitable. Both Guangdong and Raman lack experience in this region.

Lack of support for Iranian consultant regrettable

Employees admit that ignoring the experienced Iranian consultant responsible for civil construction has caused problems. The consultant had contributed to building a strong and durable structure in Chiphle. “The Iranian consultant completed work worth Rs 10 million and did well,” said former employee Pawan Adhikari, “Instead of rewarding, the consultant was penalized.” Current engineers and consultants’ inexperience has made civil work uncertain.

Land acquisition still incomplete

The project still requires the acquisition of six more hectares. Compensation disputes have complicated the process. While 16 of the 22 hectares have been acquired, protests by locals and delays continue. Even after a long wait, compensation disputes remain unresolved.

By Nirmal Ghimire