Part-1 1.11.1 Background

Keeping in mind the important role of irrigation in agricultural production and productivity growth, the farmers themselves have been investing in irrigation development and expansion since time immemorial. In addition to investing heavily in this area, timely policies, plans and programs have been implemented. As a result of such efforts in the past, there has been a significant increase in the irrigation-related physical structure, manpower and governmental and non-governmental institutional capacity available in the country. It is necessary to continue the development and expansion of such infrastructure as well as to focus on the expansion of the area where irrigation facilities are available throughout the year through the proper use of the available physical and institutional structures. For this, while designing the multi-purpose project of water resource use, it is necessary to give high priority to irrigation and maintain harmony with the related areas while designing the program. In this perspective, it is necessary to increase the direct participation and investment of organized consumers in every stage of project implementation by effectively applying public participation management and handing over the responsibility of maintenance, maintenance and operation to consumer organizations. For this, it is necessary to gradually increase the role and responsibility of local bodies in irrigation development and management in accordance with the principle of decentralization. In order to increase, it is necessary to expand irrigation facilities even in marginal agricultural land. For this purpose, combined use of underground and surface water sources as well as new technology approved by the Council of Ministers dated 2060.4.19 internal irrigation systems such as pani bhakari, drip irrigation, fountain irrigation, Lakshmi dhiki etc. have to be increased. . So far, the built system has been limited only to return technology. Since the flow of the river decreases in winter, the whole yearIt has become necessary to develop a reservoir system to provide irrigation facilities. In the above context, Irrigation Policy, 2060 has been formulated keeping in mind the achievements and experience gained from the implementation of Irrigation Policy, 2049 (First Amendment 2053) and the objectives of the Tenth Five Year Plan and the principles absorbed by the Water Resources Strategy.

1.31. 3 Objectives The development of irrigation facilities will be done to achieve the following objectives: 1.3.1 To expand irrigation services throughout the year on irrigable land by making effective use of existing water resources in the country. 1.3.2 Institutional development of consumers for sustainable management of the developed system. 1.3.3 Enhancing the knowledge, skills and institutional work efficiency of technical manpower, consumers and non-governmental organizations related to the development of the irrigation sector. 1.41.4 Policy In order to achieve the above objectives, the following policies will be adopted: 1.4.1 The Government of Nepal will declare the areas receiving irrigation facilities as irrigated areas. Before using the land within the declared irrigated area for non-agricultural purposes, it will be arranged that the permission of the Government of Nepal should be obtained as per the requirement. 1.4.2 While designing the project, in accordance with the principles of integrated water resources management, stakeholders will be provided with necessary water availability, return on investment, cost share and self-insurance against natural calamities. 1.4.3 Irrigation system developed as a supplement to seasonal rain (Kguubhzhivalbatbachath) will be developed, protected, supported and used to provide irrigation facilities throughout the year, reservoirs, rainwater storage and underground water sources etc. 1.4.4 A master plan will be prepared to transfer water from large rivers to dry watersheds in accordance with the principles of inter-watershed water transfer and management. 1.4.5 The development and management of reservoir projects that are considered suitable for irrigation purposes will be carried out by the Department of Water and Irrigation. It will be done in coordination with the Power Commission. It will be encouraged to generate electricity through the use of such reservoir projects and other irrigation structures.For development and management, the Irrigation Department will encourage government or private sector or joint investment in accordance with prevailing laws. 1.4.6 The available underground water reservoirs will also be developed and utilized as surface reservoirs, and arrangements will be made for necessary protection, enhancement and quality control. 1.4.7 A policy of involving the private sector in the construction, operation and management of irrigation systems will be adopted. 1.4.8 Irrigation systems built by the Government of Nepal will be transferred to the consumers based on the action plan and ownership of the land and other structures discussed in such transferred systems will be made available to the consumers as prescribed by law. 1.4.9 The capacity of local bodies and consumer organizations to increase their effective involvement in the design, construction and management of small and medium projects will be enhanced. In such projects, the non-governmental sector will be involved for the development of new technologies. 1.4.10 The information related to the project will be disseminated effectively in a timely manner and the participation of local bodies, consumer organizations and the public will be increased. 1.4.11 Quantitative measurement of irrigation service facilities will be arranged. The effectiveness of irrigation will be evaluated based on the amount of water provided to each wali, the area irrigated and the increase in production. 1.4.12 The knowledge and skill development of the human resources working in the irrigation sector will be continuously provided through training and research capacity will also be enhanced. 1.4.13 Legal and institutional reforms will be made as needed to achieve the objectives mentioned in this policy.