Kathmandu. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said that more than Rs 23 billion has been allocated by the Government of India, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Nepal in the last three years for the construction of rapti river embankment from Kusum of Raptisonari-1 to Gangapur of Narainapur-6.

Replying to a question from lawmaker Surya Prasad Dhakal in the House of Representatives on Thursday about the government’s plan for embankment cost and long-term solution, Minister Khadka said that the Government of India has allocated Rs 35.03 crore, ADB Rs 143.98 crore and The Government of Nepal Rs 41.95 crore in the last three years.

Minister Khadka informed the House that the indian grant amount could not be spent as the bilateral meeting on flood and inundation between Nepal and India had not been held for the last three years. Similarly, in the current fiscal year 2082/83, the Government of India has allocated Rs 20.50 crore, ADB Rs 37.66 crore and The Government of Nepal Rs 12.86 crore.

Regarding the long-term solution, Minister Khadka shared that a detailed study report (DPR) of the Babai river, its tributaries, western Rapti river in Dang section and banke section in Dang district would be prepared and implemented gradually. According to him, this scheme will help in reducing the damage caused by river-borne disasters.