RASUWA: Farmers in Uttargaya Rural Municipality have begun benefiting once again from the Betegauda Irrigation Project after it resumed operation through a lift irrigation system, nearly a year after it was severely damaged by flooding in the Lhende River.

The flood, which struck on July 8 last year, destroyed more than 300 meters of the irrigation infrastructure, disrupting water supply from the Trishuli River to farmlands in the area.

Following the damage, the under-construction 37.3-megawatt Upper Trishuli-3B Hydropower Project provided water-lifting equipment to restore irrigation services after the original canal system became inoperable.

According to Ammar Bahadur Bulun, Ward Chair of Uttargaya Rural Municipality-4, the equipment has restored irrigation to thousands of ropanis of farmland in Pahirebesi, Kaidaltar, and nearby areas.

The Betegauda Irrigation Project was originally constructed under the former Public Works Branch through the Rasuwa–Nuwakot Rural Development Project. For many years, it played a key role in supporting local agriculture and improving food self-sufficiency.

Local residents have welcomed the restoration of the irrigation system, saying the lift irrigation facility has revived farming activities that were badly affected after the flood destroyed the original infrastructure.

Farmer Navaraj Thapa said reliable irrigation has made it easier to cultivate maize, wheat, mustard, and rice, particularly during the winter season. He added that improved access to water is expected to increase agricultural production and boost farmers’ confidence.

Senior citizen and social worker Davaphinjo Tamang said the development of modern irrigation systems in the area began in the 1970s with support from the government and international rural development projects.

According to Division Irrigation Chief Subash Baniya, the district aims to provide irrigation facilities to 4,738.4 hectares of farmland. However, irrigation has so far reached only 3,731 hectares. Around 600 households, benefiting approximately 3,000 people, are currently using the irrigation system.

Baniya added that 41 irrigation projects are being implemented during the current fiscal year to expand water access for agriculture. He said Rs. 12.3 million has already been spent on irrigation development this year.