Kathmandu — Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has stated that the government will be involved in the reconstruction of the damage caused by floods in the Melamchi and Helambu areas of Sindhupalchok. Minister Khadka made this statement today while conducting an on-site inspection of the Melamchi and Helambu areas, assuring that the government will work on the reconstruction of the flood-affected regions.
Energy Minister Khadka announced that a special plan will be implemented for irrigation management in the Melamchi and Helambu areas. “I am committed to the reconstruction of Helambu and Melamchi after the floods. Let us all move forward together for the development of this historic place,” he said.
He stated that the government has prioritized irrigation management to make proper use of the fertile land in the hilly regions. “A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared to bring water from the Indrawati River for irrigation to 22 terraced fields (tars) located in Bhotetar of Indrawati Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok,” he said.
He stated that irrigation management is extremely important to boost agricultural production in the hilly regions. “Our ministry is actively working on irrigation in this area, and I am personally ready to support it,” he said.
The flood of Asar 1, 2078 (June 15, 2021) caused significant loss of life and property in the Melamchi and Helambu areas. As reconstruction has not yet been completed, a team including Energy Minister Khadka, State Minister Khambahadur Garbuja, Irrigation Secretary Sarita Duwadi, and Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Sanjeev Baral, conducted an on-site inspection under the initiative of Member of Parliament Mohan Basnet.
During the inspection, local residents of the area submitted a memorandum to Minister Khadka, requesting the reconstruction of the damage caused by floods and landslides. They urged for speedy reconstruction, stating that the lack of adequate resources and means at the local level has left the people in hardship.
On the same occasion, Minister Khadka stated that efforts will be made for the reconstruction of structures damaged by floods and landslides. “The government will prioritize the reconstruction of the damaged structures, and we will move the work forward promptly by coordinating with the concerned authorities,” he said.
Source: Kantipur
