Energy Minister calls for standardized excavation in Karnali River

December 27, Kathmandu: Energy Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet, during an inspection of the Ranijamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, stated that the current practice of simultaneous embankment and excavation in the Karnali River is not effective.

He attributed the poor condition of the embankment to the unregulated excavation of the river, which has led to the failure of the embankment, especially during the flooding season.

This has resulted in significant damage in areas such as Tikapur Municipality and Janaki Rural Municipality in Kailali district.

Basnet emphasized the need for standardized excavation practices to preserve the billions of rupees invested in the project and to reduce the risk posed by the river. He also mentioned that alternatives to embankment construction are being explored to better control river-induced damages.

In addition, Basnet urged officials to ensure the timely completion of the irrigation project and shared the government’s plans to operationalize the Lower Karnali Hydropower Project, which could bring substantial benefits to the state.