The Chandra Nahar Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project supported by Japan has been completed.

The completion ceremony for “The Project for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation System in Eastern Tarai Area” granted by the government of Japan was held in Chandra Nahar Irrigation Area, Saptari district, Madhes Province on Wednesday.

This project is to rehabilitate the main canal facilities of Chandra Nahar Irrigation System, one of Nepal's oldest irrigation systems, which was constructed in 1927.

The facilities severely deteriorated, and the flow was limited to about 80 per cent of the design capacity.

Additionally, there were also risks of leakage and collapse, creating challenges for the stable supply of irrigation water.

This project involves rehabilitation of 32 facilities within the main canal and commenced based on the exchange of notes between the government of Japan and government of Nepal in September 2022. The government of Japan had provided a grant of 2.3 billion yen for the project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Yasuharu Shinto, Deputy Chief of Mission, the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, commended all those involved in the project.

He said that the rehabilitation of the facilities ensures an efficient water supply, significantly improving agricultural productivity in the area.

He also expressed hope that the improved irrigation system will further enrich the lives of farmers and residents, as a foundation for sustainable community development, and requested that everyone involved, including the farmers, continue their dedicated efforts to properly maintain and preserve this century-old irrigation system for future generations.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal.

Especially, agricultural support and irrigation technology cooperation represent the longest-standing economic cooperation from Japan to Nepal.

The Embassy of Japan expressed its satisfaction that completion of this irrigation project coincides with this commemorative year.

It hopes that the assistance will contribute to the region's sustainable development and further strengthen the friendship between the people of Japan and Nepal.