The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has expressed its commitment to support irrigation efforts in the drought-affected Madhes region by providing electricity at a heavily subsidized rate of Rs 3 per unit, specifically for operating borewells.
Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya made the announcement during a discussion held in Janakpurdham with NEA distribution center heads, following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s directive to install 500 borewells across the region. The plan is part of a larger effort to address severe water shortages affecting agriculture in Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Saptari, and Sarlahi districts.
Shakya said that while the NEA is technically and logistically ready to ensure the electricity supply, it is still awaiting specific information from concerned authorities about the exact locations for the borewell installations. He emphasized that supporting the farming community in the region is a national priority, and NEA is ready to play its part in resolving the water crisis.
Currently, electricity for general use is priced at Rs 8 per unit, but the government’s decision to offer it at Rs 3 per unit for irrigation reflects its urgent commitment to agricultural resilience in the region. The borewell installation initiative is expected to be completed within a month, offering a crucial lifeline to thousands of farmers facing prolonged dry spells.
