Kathmandu. A high-level task force formed by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has submitted a report to Energy Minister Khadka on Wednesday after the government declared it as a ‘disaster’ due to drought in eight districts of Madhes province.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, while receiving the report, directed to implement the suggestions given by the task force immediately and start relief and irrigation works. “To delay now is to lose the trust of the people. This issue will be the first priority of the government’s agenda. ’

Energy Minister Khadka said that although tarai Madhes is the country’s granary of food grains, it is a matter of serious concern that there is a shortage of irrigation and drinking water due to lack of timely rain. “I will discuss the report submitted by the task force with the concerned parties including the Prime Minister today itself and implement it,” he said. In the absence of irrigation facilities, there is a shortage of food grains not only in Tarai but also in the country, so it is the first responsibility of the state to provide immediate irrigation, seed vision and other services to the affected farmers. ’

A six-member taskforce was formed under the leadership of Joint Secretary at the Ministry Sushil Chandra Acharya, joint secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, director general of the Department of Agriculture, director general of the Department of Drinking Water and Sewerage, director general of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The report prepared by the task force has highlighted the deterioration of groundwater in Madhes province, the dilapidated condition of small and medium irrigation infrastructure, lack of technical manpower, and unequal access to irrigation as serious crises. At the same time, coordination with the local level, cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and flexibility in policy implementation are necessary.

The ministry has also unveiled a blueprint for some of the primary programmes to be implemented immediately. These include mobilization of water tankers for drinking water supply, maintenance and re-operation of small and medium tube wells, construction of simple supply process of irrigation materials, emphasis on groundwater recharge technology and expansion of modern irrigation methods such as drip and micro irrigation systems.

Energy Minister Khadka described this action plan as a model to transform it into development opportunities with disaster management. “Now we want a solution rather than an excuse. Delaying the supply of water to the victims is a serious crime. ’

The task force, which prepared the report, conducted an on-site study in the affected districts of the province and collected the facts through discussions with local representatives, farmers, consumer committees and concerned bodies. According to the report, the drought problem of Madhes needs to be reviewed from policy formulation to implementation.