Kathmandu — A long-standing demand by Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Harka Sampang has finally made it into Nepal’s national budget. The federal government has allocated NPR 40 million for a project to bring water from the Koshi River to Dharan, a city that has struggled with water scarcity for years.
Mayor Sampang rose to national prominence after he carried an empty water vessel (gagri) to Kathmandu, symbolizing Dharan’s water woes. During his visit, he met with ministers and top government officials at Singha Durbar, pressing for federal support. The recent budget allocation appears to be a direct result of the assurances he received during those meetings.
Federal Budget Commits Over NPR 10 Billion for Water Projects in Nepal
According to the Ministry of Water Supply, this project is part of a larger national program to be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year with a total budget of NPR 10.66 billion. More than 500 water-related projects across Nepal will be executed under this federal initiative.
Among the districts, Kathmandu will receive the highest allocation: NPR 1.41 billion for 59 different projects. Jhapa follows with NPR 551.4 million across 11 projects. Similarly, Chitwan has secured NPR 460 million for 46 projects; Rupandehi, NPR 372.3 million for 6 projects; and Morang, NPR 357.3 million for 10 projects.
Remote Districts Receive Limited Budget, But Allocation Appears More Balanced
In stark contrast, remote and mountainous districts have received much smaller allocations. Rasuwa, for instance, was granted just NPR 19.5 million—the lowest among all districts. Districts like Mustang, Manang, Western Rukum, Kalikot, Salyan, and Darchula have each received around NPR 30 million.
Despite criticism in recent years about ministers prioritizing their own constituencies in resource allocation, this year’s water supply budget appears more balanced. For example, Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav’s home district of Parsa has received NPR 115.4 million for five projects—placing it 42nd in the ranking of districts by total allocation.
While the budget reflects an effort toward regional balance, it also reveals that the needs of some of Nepal’s most remote areas remain under-addressed. Nevertheless, in Dharan’s case, the federal government’s commitment—sparked by the advocacy of a grassroots leader—marks a notable success for citizen-led activism.
