PM KP Sharma Oli Inaugurates Rani Jamara Kulariya Project’s Second Phase

Kailali. Today, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the second phase of the Rani, Jamara, Kulariya Project in Kailali, which includes irrigation for 14,300 hectares and a 4.71 MW hydropower transmission line. He stated that this will provide irrigation facilities to 14,300 hectares of land and add 4.71 MW of electricity to the transmission line.

Earlier, Prime Minister Oli had conducted an on-site inspection and monitoring of the main intake of this irrigation project located in the Karnali River. The Prime Minister’s inspection team included Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Dipak Khadka, Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, and officials from the Ministry and the Department of Irrigation.

Sanjiv Baral, Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, informed that the irrigation system, including canals constructed in the first and second phases, now irrigates 14,300 hectares of land, and the power plant produces 4.71 megawatts of electricity. He also shared that with permanent irrigation facilities from this system, the productivity of rice, wheat, and maize has increased.

Construction of this project, which began in the fiscal year 2067/068 (2010/11), saw its first phase completed in 2074/075 (2017/18) and the second phase completed in 2080/081 (2023/24). According to the updated master plan, by the end of 2082 BS (April 2025), work worth Rs. 20 billion 58 crore 56 lakhs has been completed, with 75% physical progress, the project stated.

Jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of Nepal, this irrigation project has provided irrigation facilities to 14,300 hectares in both its first and second phases. Additionally, a 4.71 MW power plant completed in Kataanse, Janaki Rural Municipality-9, as part of the irrigation system, has begun electricity production. The generated electricity has been connected to the national transmission line.

During the inauguration of the completed irrigation system and power plant in the second phase of the National Pride Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project under construction in the eastern part of Kailali, Prime Minister Oli stated that the current government, formed by two major parties that contributed to bringing change in the country, is working to establish stability and permanence.

Prime Minister Oli said, “The government is committed to bringing stability, permanence, development, good governance, and controlling corruption in the country; this government will last until the next election.” He noted that the construction of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project reflects the government’s desire and acceleration towards development, and he pledged to complete the third phase of this project as well.

Prime Minister Oli mentioned that this irrigation system, which began with 120 years of traditional skill, has been expanded into a modern form, and today’s success has been achieved through local public participation and government coordination. Committed to national development, he stated that the construction of this irrigation project is a historic achievement in the development of Nepal’s water resources and rural agriculture sector. He expressed confidence that this project will help transform rural lifestyles, increase agricultural production, contribute to energy self-sufficiency, and enhance food security.