Aagya Khabar
Dhanusha

Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Vice President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has emphasized the urgent need for a long-term solution to the growing drought crisis in the Madhes region.

During a joint field visit to drought-affected areas in Hansapur Municipality, Dhanusha, along with RSP spokesperson Manish Jha, Dr. Wagle stated that the Sunkoshi–Marin Diversion Project is not only crucial for Madhes but also for the overall development of the nation.

“Fertile paddy fields now lie barren, and seeds are beginning to dry up. This situation is the result of climate change, the over-extraction of resources from the Chure region, the decline of traditional water conservation systems, and the impacts of modern lifestyles,” Dr. Wagle remarked.

While immediate crisis mitigation efforts such as the installation of deep borings and cloud seeding (artificial rain) are being discussed, he underscored the importance of seeking a sustainable and long-term solution to the problem.

Sunkoshi–Marin Project as a Foundation for Agricultural Transformation

Dr. Wagle advocated for prioritizing the Sunkoshi–Marin Diversion Project as a national agenda to address the long-standing water crisis in Madhes.

“The plan is to divert water from the Sunkoshi River through a 13–14 km tunnel into the Marin stream, which will provide irrigation to approximately 122,000 hectares of land in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, and Sarlahi districts,” he said. “Although the tunnel breakthrough has been achieved, significant delays remain in completing the rest of the structural work. Urgency is required.”

According to Dr. Wagle, agricultural transformation is only possible through effective irrigation management. He also cited examples from parts of Bangladesh and India, which have achieved green revolutions by relying heavily on irrigation systems.