KATHMANDU: The completion ceremony of the Japan-funded ‘Project for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation System in Eastern Terai Area’ was held at the Chandra Nahar Irrigation Area in Saptari district, Madhesh Province.

The project rehabilitated 32 major facilities of the Chandra Nahar Irrigation System, one of Nepal’s oldest irrigation networks, built in 1927.

Years of deterioration had reduced water flow to about 80 percent of design capacity and posed risks of leakage and structural failure.

The rehabilitation, supported by a Japanese grant of JPY 2.3 billion under a bilateral agreement signed in September 2022, aims to restore stable and efficient irrigation.

Speaking at the event, Yasuharu Shinto, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, said the upgraded system will boost agricultural productivity and support sustainable community development.

The project coincides with the 70th anniversary of Japan-Nepal diplomatic relations, highlighting Japan’s long-standing cooperation in agriculture and irrigation.