KATHMANDU: The Sikta irrigation project in Banke has initiated land acquisition to expand branch and sub-branch canals to provide water to farmers’ fields.
Project director Raju Acharya stated that the acquisition is intended for the construction of the Guruwagaun branch and sub-branches under the western main canal to extend irrigation services in the Khajura and Baijanath rural municipalities.
The Banke District Administration Office issued a notice on Sept. 24, 2026, announcing the acquisition process under Section 3 of the Land Acquisition Act, 2034.
The project will acquire land in wards 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9 of Khajura Rural Municipality and wards 5 and 6 of Baijanath Rural Municipality. Landowners have been requested to file claims for compensation at the District Administration Office or the project office within 15 days of the notice. Owners must also clear any structures, walls or trees from the land within one month.
The Sikta irrigation project aims to provide reliable irrigation to 42,766 hectares of land, including 33,766 hectares west of the Rapti River and 9,000 hectares to the east. Acharya reported that irrigation facilities currently cover 25,000 hectares. For the fiscal year 2083-084, the government has allocated Rs 2.55 billion for the project, an increase from the Rs 1.57 billion allocated in the previous fiscal year.
Construction of the Duduwa branch canal is currently underway. Contracts have also been signed for the Sidhaniya, Prasenipur and Akalgharwa branch canals, with work being accelerated. Preparatory work is ongoing for the remaining tasks on the Guruwagaun and Akalgharwa branches and the eastern main canal.
