The Babai Irrigation Project in Bardia, listed as a national pride project, has achieved 76 percent physical progress, 37 years after construction began in FY 1988/89. Initially studied in FY 1966/67 with support from UNDP and IDA, the project aims to irrigate 36,000 hectares across six local governments, including Gulariya and Bansgadhi. Project Chief Gopal Sharma said the completion timeline has been pushed to FY 2028/29 due to repeated delays, with estimated costs rising to Rs 26.69 billion. Current work focuses on extending main and branch canals in Gulariya to enhance agricultural output.
