Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka has instructed officials to avoid any delay in the ongoing embankment construction on the Kankai River in Jhapa. During his site inspection, Minister Khadka warned that failure to complete the work on time could displace at least 105 households.
Last year, heavy continuous rainfall on October 26-28 caused severe damage to nearly 700 meters of the embankment near the Hulaki Highway. Since the reconstruction has not yet been finished, the local communities face threats to their homes, farmland, livestock, and livelihoods.
Minister Khadka emphasized, “Whether through contract procedures or disaster management budgets, the embankment repair must be completed on schedule.” He also assured that budget shortages would not delay the work.
According to Chief Engineer Vijay Kumar Regmi, under the Disaster Reconstruction Plan, 60% of the embankment repair was completed within the first two months of the 12-month project.
Minister Khadka also visited the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Birtamod distribution center,a government-run stock company responsible for electricity distribution in the region, urging zero tolerance for service disruptions. “Providing uninterrupted electricity to people is our main responsibility,” he said. He called for strict recovery of dues related to dedicated and trunk lines, encouragement for regular bill payers, and rewards for outstanding employees.
The minister reiterated a strict policy to stop recommendations and lobbying in staff transfers and promotions to maintain transparency and efficiency.
He invited people to report any service issues directly to the ministry, promising, “I will personally meet you.” This statement highlights the government’s seriousness in policy enforcement.
Minister Khadka’s visit to monitor energy, water management, and disaster solutions has strengthened public trust in the government’s commitment to local welfare.
