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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal handed over the rehabilitated Chandra Nahar Irrigation System under “The Project for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation System in Eastern Terai Area” at Bhagni Maleth in Saptari district.

The irrigation system was handed over in the presence of Sarita Dawadi, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI); Yasuharu Shinto, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan to Nepal; and Mizuki Matsuzaki, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, according to a statement issued by JICA.

Completed in 1927, the Chandra Nahar Irrigation System is Nepal’s first modern irrigation system. The nearly century-old infrastructure has played a key role in supporting agricultural production and rural livelihoods in the eastern Terai but has faced deterioration due to aging structures and limited maintenance over the years.

Following a request from the Government of Nepal, JICA provided a Grant Aid of JPY 2.256 billion (approximately Rs 2.05 billion) for the rehabilitation of the system. The project involved the rehabilitation of 32 critical structures, including eight canal underpasses, nine cross-drainage works and 15 canal-crossing bridges.

According to JICA, the rehabilitated system has improved water distribution across 11,000 hectares of farmland and is expected to directly benefit around 35,000 farming households. 

The project also carries historical significance rooted in early Nepal–Japan cooperation in engineering education. In 1902, eight Nepali students traveled to Japan for higher education, including Dilli Jung Thapa, Nepal’s first engineer, who later led the construction of the Chandra Nahar irrigation system.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their invaluable support, which has not only contributed to preserve this important historical infrastructure but has also ensured the successful rehabilitation of the irrigation system in line with modern engineering standards,” Dawadi said, adding, “In addition to the physical infrastructures, the support provided for human resource development—through knowledge and technology transfer, skill enhancement, and the promotion of a culture of constructing quality infrastructure—has greatly benefited the officials, this project and the surrounding communities.”

These contributions have made a significant impact on Nepal’s agriculture and irrigation sector, strengthening both its productivity and sustainability, Dawadi further said. 

Matsuzaki in his remarks appreciated the cooperation and partnership of Government of Nepal, Ministry and other stakeholders to complete this historic project successfully and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to working together with Nepal to support national priorities in agriculture, water resources that contribute to broader socio-economic development.

A complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission (EC) stating that the Guthi Sansthan has removed the Head Lama of the Shree Boudha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi from his position, contrary to the election code of conduct.

The EC Assistant Spokesperson, Kul Bahadur GC said that since a complaint has been registered alleging that the Guthi Sansthan acted against the election code of conduct, a necessary investigation and inquiry process regarding this matter will begin from today.

The EC had implemented the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 from midnight on January 18.

Clause 3 (h) of the code of conduct mentions that the code of conduct also applies to the offices and employees of government, semi-government and public institutions.

According to Harish Gole Tamang of the Head Lama's secretariat, the Guthi Sansthan decided to remove Bhupatibajra Lama, Head of Shree Boudha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi, from his position on January 23.

The Guthi Sansthan had sought clarification from the Head Lama on January 18, the very day the election code of conduct came into force.

Assistant spokesperson GC stated that the EC has so far sought 15 clarifications after investigating complaints filed with it alleging violation of the code of conduct from various political parties, candidates, public bodies, and institutions.

The Mid-Hill Highway has been completely blocked due to heavy snowfall accompanied by rainfall since Tuesday night. 

The Highway was obstructed by thick snow accumulation at Patihalne area, the junction of Baglung and Rukum (East) districts. 

With the Highway obstructed, hundreds of passengers have been stranded, said Inspector Tilak Manandhar, also Chief of Area Police Office, Burtibang.

Vehicles plying short and long routes have come to a halt due to obstruction in the Highway, added Inspector Manandhar. 

As snowfall continues, the likelihood of the road reopening immediately remains low, informed Inspector Manandhar.

He shared that the vehicles that had departed from Kathmandu to Rukum, Jajarkot and Dolpa districts have been halted at Bhalkot Sip in Nishikhola Rural Municipality-2 in Baglung. 

A person died in a motorcycle accident at Khatri Chowk in Dudhauli Municipality-10, Sindhuli on Wednesday. 

Deputy Superintendent of Police at District Police Office, Surya Prakash Subedi, said that Yagya Bhadur Sunuwar (30) died immediately after the incident. 

Sunuwar, who was injured seriously in the accident, breathed his last while being taken to hospital, the police added.