UK-Funded Organization to Aid Madhes in Drought Resilience

Janakpur: An organization funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has pledged support to Madhes Province, which is currently grappling with a severe and prolonged drought.

Last Wednesday, the federal government officially declared the province a crisis-affected zone, following a recommendation from the Madhes Province government, and issued a public appeal for relief and assistance.

In response, Start Fund Nepal—operated with support from the UK government—has committed to implementing relief and aid programs in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). These initiatives will focus on the drought-stricken Tarai region.

According to the Secretariat of Madhes Province, the programs will be launched in 10 local units across the districts of Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Siraha, and Saptari. The intervention, planned for a duration of 60 days, aims to benefit over 44,000 people from 8,355 households.

With a total budget of Rs 26.03 million, the program will be implemented in three phases. Key focus areas include emergency water supply, feasibility studies for borehole installation, and improvements to irrigation and long-term water supply systems.

In addition, the aid effort will prioritize livelihood restoration through a “cash-for-work” initiative, technical support for irrigation system repair, and the promotion of alternative crops, according to Awadesh Jha, Press Advisor to the Chief Minister.

(RSS)