Management, Operation and Maintenance (MOM) of The Irrigation Systems in Nepal

Action plan of Indonesia and Nepal

1. Action Plan
Management,
Operation and
Maintenance (MOM) of
the Irrigation Systems
in Nepal
I N D O ( N E ) P A L
1

2. `
TEAM MEMBERS
FERGIAN YOGA ADITAMA ASHISH WAGLEFAURIZA PATIRAJAWANE
2

3. TEAM MEMBERS
Meteorologist
Indonesia Agency of Meteorology,
Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG)
Indonesia
Student Id: 22368802
FERGIAN YOGA ADITAMA
Engineer
DWRI, Ministry of Energy, Water
Resources and Irrigation
Nepal
Student Id: 22368805
ASHISH WAGLE
Engineer
Department of Public Works and Spatial
Planning,
East Sumba Regency
Indonesia
Student Id: 22368803
FAURIZA PATIRAJAWANE
3

4. Country Overview
Project Background
Project Design
Project Analysis
SaemaulApproach
Project Timeline
Budgeting and Economic
Analysis
Conclusion
Expected Outcomes
CONTENTS
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
09
08
4

5. Country Overview
Project Background
Project Design
Project Analysis
SaemaulApproach
Project Timeline
Budgeting and Economic
Analysis
Conclusion
Expected Outcomes
CONTENTS
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
09
08
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6. Country Overview
NepalisalandlockedHimalayancountryinSouthAsia.
Itishometotheworld’shighestmountainsalongits
northernbordersbutalsohasrelativelyextensive
floodplainsinthesouthernpartofthecountry.It
stretchesbetweenthelatitudesof26
0
22’Nand
30
0
27’N,andlongitudesof80
0
4’Eand88
0
12’Eandis
roughlyalignedsoutheast-northwest.
Thecountryhasanalmostrectangularshape,extendingfromthesoutheasttonorthwestoveradistanceofapproximately
900kmandalongthenorth-southdirectionwithdistancevaryingbetween80to250kmwithelevationrangingfrom55m
inthesouthto8,848mabovethesealevelatthepeakoftheMountEverest.
ThetotalphysicalareaofNepalis147,516squarekilometers.Nepalsharesabout1,236kilometersofboarderwithThe
People’sRepublicofChinaintheNorthandabout1,690kilometersofborderwithIndiaintheEast,WestandSouth.
6
Fig: Map of Nepal; Source: Acharya et al., 2022cc

7. Physiographic Regions of Nepal
Despitebeingasmallcountry,thelandscape
ofNepalisdiverse,Itrangesfromthehumid
plainsinthesouthtotheloftyHimalayasin
thenorth.Thus,Nepalcanbedividedinto
threedifferentgeographicalregions:
Eachregionextendsfromeasttowestacross
thecountry.
The
Himalayas
The
Mid-Hills
The Terai
Country Overview
7
Fig: Ecological Division of Nepal; Source: Shrestha et al., 2013

8. Current Status of Irrigation in Nepal
Project Background
Infrastructure Coverage
Approximately 1.5 million hectaresof potentially irrigable land
developed. Approximately 38% of potentially irrigable land in
Nepal is actually irrigated.
Joint Management
JMISs managed collaboratively by government agencies and Water
Users Associations (WUAs).
Performance Challenges
System performance is below regional standards due to unreliable
water delivery and insufficient maintenance.
Institutional Capacity
The Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DWRI) lacks
standardized management procedures, hindering effective operation.
Maintenance Practices
Maintenance is often ad hoc, with
reactive rather than planned
approaches, leading to
inconsistent upkeep.
Water Distribution Inequities
Significant variations in water
distribution, with developed areas
benefiting from established
watercourses, while undeveloped
areas face challenges.
8

9. Project Background
Seasonal Rainfall Variability
70-80% of annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season (June to
August), making effective irrigation crucial for dry months.
Importance of Effective MOM of Irrigation System in Nepal
Agricultural Dependency
Approximately 66% of Nepalese people rely on agriculture for their
livelihoods, emphasizing the need for reliable irrigation systems.
Food Security Concerns
Nepal imports a significant portion of its food, including staples like rice and
wheat. Effective irrigation can reduce dependency on imports.
Properly managed irrigation systems can increase crop productivity by 15-
30%, contributing to higher farmer incomes and improved rural livelihoods.
Economic Growth
Improving irrigation efficiency can enhance agricultural output, significantly
contributing to Nepal’s GDP, which is about 24%from the agricultural
sector.
Adaptation to Droughts
Well-maintained irrigation systems provide resilience against prolonged dry
spells and help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. 9
Fig: Problem Analysis Chart

10. Project Design
Develop a sustainable,
efficient, and equitable
irrigation system in Nepal.
Boost agricultural productivity
and food security, reduce
poverty.
Integrate technical expertise,
institutional capacity, and
community involvement.
Vision of the Project
Project Implementation
The MOM framework shall be piloted in the following 5
irrigation systems:
1.BabaiIrrigation System
2.Bagmati Irrigation System
3.Chandra Nahar Irrigation System
4.SunsariMorang Irrigation System
5.NarayaniLift Irrigation System
10
Fig: Location Map of Proposed Irrigation Systems in Nepal

11. Project Design
Assessment and Planning
•Infrastructure Assessment: Identify gaps and rehabilitation needs.
•Role Development: Define responsibilities for DWRI and WUAs to enhance coordination.
•Capacity-Building Workshops: Focus on institutional development and resource management for DWRI and WUAs.
Infrastructure Improvement
•Rehabilitation:Upgrade outdated irrigation canals and pumps.
•Maintenance Plan:Develop a regular maintenance strategy for irrigation systems.
Technology and Training
•Water Level Sensors: Install for real-time data collection.
•Training Programs: Train operators on monitoring technology and efficient water distribution.
•System Integration and Community Engagement.
•Centralized Data System: Establish for managing irrigation operations.
•Community Water User Groups:Organize for localized system maintenance.
•Field Schools: Promote modern irrigation and water-saving techniques to farmers.
Resource Allocation Plan
•Prioritize maintenance and fair water distribution.
Monitoring and Evaluation
•Periodic Audits: Conduct reviewsto identify areas for improvement.
•Progress Analysis: Review maintenance records and system performance regularly.
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12. Strength
•Existing InfrastructureNetwork
•Government and WUA Collaboration
•Experience with PIM/IMT Programs
•Recognition of Socio-Technical Needs
Weakness
•Ineffective Joint Management
•Inadequate Institutional Capacity
•Lack of Real-Time Data Management
•Poor MaintenancePractices
Opportunities
•Capacity Building Initiatives
•Technological Advancements
•Potential for Alternative Management
•International Collaboration
Threats
•Climate Change Impact on Water
Resources
•Budget Constraints and Funding
Gaps
•Resistance to Change from
Traditional Models
SWOT Analysis
S
W
O
T
12

13. Aspect As-Is State To-Be State
Overall Management of
Irrigation Systems
Current management involves
fragmented and often
uncoordinated tasks across
infrastructure, water, resources, and
institutional arrangements
Transition to a coordinated and integrated approach to
MOM, focusing on systematic implementation through
collective action and guidelines
Management of Infrastructure
Managed separately by irrigation
agencies and WUAs without
standardized practices or plans
Joint management by irrigation agencies and WUAs
with institutionalized Asset Management Plans (AMP)
and Canal Operation Plans (COP)
Management of Water
Managed inconsistently, with
varying practices and lack of
comprehensive plans
Coordinated through the Canal Operation Plan (COP)
and resources management plans, ensuring a
consistent and effective approach
Management of Organizational
and Institutional Arrangements
Institutional arrangements are often
inadequate and not always well-
defined or supported
Strengthening and institutionalizing Water Users
Associations (WUAs) and establishing autonomous
irrigation boards for better governance
Real-Time Data Management
Limited or no use of real-time data
management systems
Establishment of a real-time database management
system with relevant data for better decision-making
As Is/To Be Analysis
13

14. Aspect As-Is State To-Be State
Command Area Development
Infrastructure development often not
prioritized or coordinated with
command area needs
Command area development prioritized, focusing
on both institutional and infrastructural works,
with user participation in capital costs
On-Farm Water Management
Implemented inconsistently, with
varied practices and effectiveness
Program mode implementation to enhance water
use efficiency and productivity at the farm level
Private Management
Approach
Conventional management by DWRI
and WUAs without private sector
involvement
Exploration of private management options under
fixed-term contracts for main system
management
Capacity Building
Training and capacity-building efforts
are often project-specific and do not
address broader needs
Comprehensive capacity building for DWRI
engineers and water managers, with a focus on
socio-technical aspects of irrigation management
As Is/To Be Analysis
14

15. S.N. Stakeholder Interest/Concern
Potential
Influence
Engagement Strategy
1
Ministry of Energy,
Water Resources and
Irrigation, Department
of Water Resources and
Irrigation
•Development and implementation of
effective water and energy policies
•Integration of water and energy strategies
•Sustainable and efficient irrigation practices
Very High
•Work on policy development and implementation.
•Ensure project activities integrate with broader water
and energy strategies.
•Provide updates on policy impacts and project
alignment.
2
Ministry of Agriculture
and Livestock
Development
•Alignment with national agricultural policies
•Efficient use of funding
•Achievement of national agricultural goals
•Overall impact on agricultural productivity
Very High
•Ensure project activities align with national policies
•Provide detailed progress reports and financial
accountability
•Work closely on policy and strategic planning
3Farmers
•Reliable and consistent water supply for
crops
•Fair distribution of water
•Minimal downtime of irrigation systems
•Support for issues and concerns
High
•Regular meetings to gather feedback
•Provide practical workshops on using the irrigation
system
•Address issues promptly and ensure reliable water
supply
4
Water Users'
Association (WUA)
•Equitable water distribution
•Grassroots involvement and support
•Benefits for local farmers
High
•Work together on irrigation system operation,
management and minor maintenances
•Include irrigation water users in planning and
feedback processes.
•Provide resources and assistance for community
initiatives
Stakeholder’s Analysis
15

16. S.N. Stakeholder Interest/Concern
Potential
Influence
Engagement Strategy
5
Local Government
Officials
•Efficient implementation of irrigation
projects
•Compliance with local regulations
•Impact on community well-being
•Effective use of allocated resources
High
•Involve them in planning and decision-making
processes
•Provide regular updates on project progress
•Seek their input on regulatory and community
concerns
6
Non-Governmental
Organizations and
Development Agencies
•Enhancement of irrigation practices
through additional resources
•Effective and sustainable project outcomes
•Alignment with development goals
Moderate
•Develop collaborative projects and funding
opportunities
•Engage in discussions about best practices
and project goals
•Keep them informed of progress and
challenges
7 General Public
•Impact on food security
•Transparency and accountability of the
project
•Effective communication of project benefits
and challenges
Low
•Conduct public information and awareness
campaigns
•Ensure transparent communication about
project impacts
•Provide opportunities for public feedback and
involvement
Stakeholder’s Analysis
16

17. SaemaulApproach
Self-Reliance (자조)
•Training programsfor Water Users Associations (WUAs) and local farmers shall be
conducted to build capacity in irrigation management.
•Encouragement of local ownership of irrigation systems to reduce dependencyon
external support.
Diligence (근면)
•Regular maintenance schedules shall be established to ensure consistent operation
of irrigation systems.
•Workshopsshall be held to promote efficient water management practices and
proactive problem-solving.
Cooperation (협동)
•Collaboration among the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DWRI), WUAs, and local communitiesshall
be fostered to enhance resource sharing.
•Joint planning sessions shall be organized to facilitate collective decision-making and problem-solving.
By systematically implementing these principles of SaemaulUndong, the MOM framework shall be strengthened, leading to
more resilient irrigation systems that effectively support agricultural productivity and community development in Nepal.
17

18. Project Timeline
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19. S.N. Budget Category Description Estimated Cost (USD)
1Personnel Costs
aProject Management Team 1 Project Manager and 3 Senior Advisors for 5 years $80,000
bTechnical Experts 10 Technical experts (Engineers, Technicians) for 5 years $200,000
cField Engineers and Surveyors 20 Field engineers and surveyors for 5 years $240,000
dTrainers 5 Trainers for capacity-building workshops for 3 years $16,000
eAdministrative and Support Staff 15 Support staff for administrative and operational support for 5 years$120,000
2Infrastructure Improvement
aInfrastructure Assessment Comprehensive assessment tools, labor, and analysis across all systems$120,000
bRehabilitation and Upgrades
Extensive canal, pump upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across
Nepal
$3,600,000
cMaintenance Plan Development Development of maintenance plans and schedules $30,000
3Technology
aWater Level Monitoring Sensors Purchase and installation of sensors for multiple systems $800,000
bCentralized Data Management System Development and integration of a nationwide data management system$500,000
Training and Workshops
cTraining Programs Training for irrigation operators, technical staff, and community members$80,000
dField Schools and Workshops Workshops for farmers on modern irrigation practices nationwide$50,000
eIncentives for Farmers Financial incentives for adopting water-saving techniques $80,000
4Community Engagement
a
Establishing and Supporting Water User
Groups
Formation and support of water user groups across regions $80,000
5Monitoring and Evaluation
aAudits and Reviews Comprehensive audits and performance reviews for multiple regions$120,000
bProgress Reports and Data Analysis Compilation and analysis of progress reports for nationwide operations$50,000
6Contingency
aContingency Fund Reserved for unexpected costs (10% of total budget) $622,000
Total Estimated Budget $6,768,000
Budgeting
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20. Description Value Source
Total Command Area 181,000 hectares Irrigation Master Plan, 2019
Current Cropping Intensity 150% DWRI Annual Report, 2022
Target Cropping Intensity 170% Irrigation Master Plan, 2019
Average Revenue per Hectare USD 300 Agricensus, 2021
Total Revenue at 150% Cropping Intensity USD 81,450,000 (181,000 ha * 1.5 * USD 300)
Total Revenue at 170% Cropping Intensity USD 92,310,000 (181,000 ha * 1.7 * USD 300)
Increased Revenue USD 10,860,000
Maintenance Cost per Hectare (Annual) USD 10.74
(1,432 NPR * 0.0075 USD/NPR)
(Irrigation Master Plan, 2019)
Total Annual Maintenance Budget USD 1,943,940 (USD 10.74/ha * 181,000 ha)
Savings from Maintenance USD 291,411
(15% of Annual Maintenance Budget)
(Irrigation Master Plan, 2019)
Total Annual Return USD 1,377,411
Investment Recovery Period Approximately 5 years
(Initial investment of USD 6,768,000 / Annual
Return of USD 1,377,411)
Economic Analysis
20

21. Increased Agricultural
Productivity
Enhanced cropping
intensity from 150% to
170%is expected to
significantly boost
overall agricultural
output.
Improved Water
Management
Better irrigation management
will minimize water wastage
and ensure more reliable
water supply to crops.
Cost-Effective Maintenance
Implementation of efficient
maintenance practices
leading to a 15% savings in
the total annual
maintenance budget,
amounting to USD 291,411.
Higher Revenue Generation
Projected increase in total
revenuefrom USD
81,450,000 to USD
92,310,000, resulting in an
additional revenue of USD
10,860,000 annually.
Resilience to Climate Change:
Improved irrigation systems
will make agriculture more
resilient to variable climate
conditions and water scarcity.
Long-Term Economic
Growth:
Enhanced agricultural
productivity and
sustainabilitywill contribute
to overall economic growth
in the region.
Increased Farmer Income:
Higher crop yieldsand
revenue will directly enhance
farmers' livelihoods,
reducing poverty levels in
rural areas.
Sustainable Agricultural
Practices
Adoption of modern
irrigation techniques will
promote sustainable
farming, benefiting both
farmers and the
environment.
These benefits collectively contribute to a more robust agricultural sector, supporting food security and economic stability in the region.
Expected Outcomes
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22. Conclusion
Irrigation projects are hindered by inefficient water distribution, poor maintenance, and aging infrastructure, reducing
agricultural productivity.
Operational inefficiencies, deteriorating infrastructure,
and outdated systems limit water delivery and
performance.
By implementing the Management, Operation, and
Maintenance (MOM) strategy, the project ensures efficient
water use, proper infrastructure upkeep, and
collaborative governance,leading to sustainable
agricultural development.
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23. Conclusion
Applying the SaemaulUndongprinciples will empower local farmers, foster
cooperation among stakeholders, and promote efficient water management.
By emphasizing self-reliance and diligence, the project aims to enhance agricultural
productivity and sustainability.
This holistic approach will not only ensure economic viability but also build
resilience against climate challenges, ultimately transforming the agricultural
landscape in Nepal.
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24. DISCUSSIONS