Nepalgunj, Nov 26, Stakeholders have urged to address issues concerning the Sikta Irrigation Project within the local-level. The project of a national pride has been in limbo for the past two decades due to policy issues.

Locals have stressed that there should be no further delay in implementing the project.

During discussions with the representatives of the Infrastructure Development Committee, the House of Representatives, the locals and stakeholders concerned stressed the need to accelerate the project at the earliest.

Committee member Thakur Gaire said the project is for the interest of the Banke people and the encroachment issue at the canal area should be sorted out through coordination with the local levels.

National Water Consumers' Federation Chair Shalikram Dangi said the project is likely to take 40 years ahead to be completed.

Local Bhim Oli accused that the project's DPR is faulty and its should be revised.

The project was initially introduced with an aim of providing irrigation facility to 34000 hectares of land within the next 10 years. The inspection delegation comprised of Hor members Surya Dhakal, Dipa Sharma, Province Assembly members Badshah Kurmi, Bhandarilal Yadav and Nepalgunj Submetropolis Mayor Prashant Bist among others.

The team also including project Chief Raju Acharya and technical workforce instructed the government to expedite the project implementation.