Kathmandu. The operation of the pump station of the Marchwar Lift Irrigation Project has been affected due to the receding water level in the Tinau River. Irrigation services have been affected due to lack of sufficient water in the river during planting and seed laying season.

According to Rajendra Yadav, chairperson of Marchwar Lift Irrigation Water Consumers’ Association, the water level in Tinau and Danab rivers has been depleting due to lack of rainfall for a long time. He said that it has been difficult to provide regular irrigation service after the water level in the river fell below the minimum level allowed for pumping water.

Chairman Yadav said, “Paddy plantation has already started. Farmers depend on the Marchwar lift project for irrigation. However, due to lack of sufficient water in the river, it is difficult to operate the pumps regularly. Though five pumps have been installed, only three are in operation due to lack of water. According to him, it would be easier to supply water on a regular basis if a dam of at least five feet height could be constructed to stop the flow of water from the Danava River.

According to Akram Khan, manager of the pump station, the water level in the river has gone down by one .5 meters below the minimum level set by the project. He said that the pump could not be operated as there is a risk of damage to the motor and other equipment while operating the pump.

“The condition of electricity supply and equipment is good. However, due to lack of water, there is a possibility of damage to the equipment if the vehicle is operated for a long time,” Khan said. At present, water in different parts of the Tinau River has dried up and grass has started growing. The land along the river bank has started cracking and sand and mud have started appearing in the middle. He said that such a situation has indicated that it will have a serious impact not only on irrigation but also on the overall agricultural production.

Meanwhile, farmers are worried as they do not get enough water during the planting season. Some farmers have expressed fear that the paddy they have planted will dry up while some have not yet started planting. Farmers who depend on rain are forced to look up to the sky in the hope of rain every day.

The agricultural production of the Marchwar area is mainly dependent on the water generated by the irrigation project. Hridayaram Gupta, a local, said that if there is scarcity of water, paddy production will decrease and farmers will have to suffer huge financial losses.

According to the locals, the Marchwar Lift Irrigation Project has played an important role in maintaining the ground water level along with the farming. Locals have expressed concern that the water source could be affected in the future if adequate water supply is not supplied from the project.