Nepal-India talks on water resource concludes

KATHMANDU, Jan. 25: High officials of Nepal and India have agreed to move ahead by co working in water and energy sector.



This was agreed in the seventh meeting of the Nepal-India secretary level Joint Water Resources Committee which concluded on Friday.



The meeting discussed exchange of power between the two countries, building of inter-country transmission lines, Naumure Hydel Project, feasibility study of Saptakoshi High Dam and Sunkoshi Kamala Diversion, development of Pancheswor Multi-Purpose Project. and Koshi and Gandak projects, and India responded positively, said Energy Ministry Spokesman Sriranjan Lakoul.



They agreed in cordial environment to move ahead on the compensation through the joint committee regarding the pre-established Koshi and Gandak projects as Nepali side raised the issue of compensation for the Koshi flood victims, on local obstruction seen in the Saptakoshi High Dam and flood control in Nepal-India border areas, he said.



According to Spokesman Lakoul, they agreed in moving ahead embankment works with Indian cooperation in Western Rapti, Khando, Balan and Lakhandehi rivers and gearing ahead works with momentum including in Second Inter-Country Power Transmission Line, and formation of Pancheswor Development Authority (PDA).



A 20-member Nepalese team was led by Energy Ministry Secretary Hariram Koirala and Indian Water Resources Secretary Dhruba Vijay Singh led the 12-member Indian delegation.



Nepali delegation had high level officials from the ministries of Energy, Foreign Affairs, Irrigation and Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, as well as departments of Irrigation, Water Borne Disaster Control, Electricity Development, Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Pancheswor Multipurpose Project, Saptakoshi Multipurpose Project and Indian side was represented by the Water Resources Ministry, Indian Embassy, Indian Central Water Commission, Ganga Flood Control Commission, Uttarakhanda and Bihar government high officials and National Hydro Power Corporation officials.

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