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Nepal-India Ministerial Level Meeting On Water Resources
By KTM Metro Reporter
February 17, 2012: the meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Ministerial Level Commission on Water Resources concluded at Taj Man Singh Hotel in New Delhi on Thursday, February 16, 2012. The following is the joint statement posted on ‘Isikkim.com’:
The first Meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Ministerial Commission on Water Resources (JMCWR) jointly led by the Hon’ble Minister (Water Resources), Government of India, Hon’ble Minister (Energy) and Hon’ble Minister (Irrigation), Government of Nepal, was held on 15th February, 2012 at New Delhi. During the meeting, issues related to cooperation in water resources were discussed.
Both sides agreed to expedite the setting up of Pancheshwar Development Authority (PDA) at the earliest for implementation of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.
Both sides also agreed to expedite the completion of DPR of Sapta Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project and Sun Kosi Storage cum Diversion Scheme by February 2013. JMCWR decided to strengthen the Joint Project Office adequately for this purpose.
JMCWR noted the difficulties being faced in carrying out various works of Kosi and Gandak Projects and the efforts being made to address the same. JMCWR also noted the concerns of Nepal side regarding payment of compensation for land and damage of crops. JMCWR directed the Joint Committee on Water Resources (JCWR) to look into these problems.
JMCWR considered examining the possibility of facilitating duty free movement of materials and equipment to Nepal for the repair and maintenance works under Gandak Project through appropriate arrangement.
JMCWR noted with satisfaction the excellent cooperation between the two countries in flood management and the need to take up other trans-boundary rivers causing flood and inundation in both countries.
JMCWR recommended that the maintenance of 15 Km length of eastern Kosi embankment presently being maintained by the Government of Nepal, may also be taken up by the Government of India.
JMCWR noted with satisfaction that the Share Holders’ Agreement for the Nepal portion of the 400 kV Muzaffarpur- Dhalkebar line is being expedited by Nepal. The Commission further noted that the short- term strengthening scheme to facilitate import of 75 MW additional power by Nepal over the existing transmission links is under implementation and would be completed progressively in the next six months. The Commission also agreed to explore the possibility of expediting the strengthening work for export of some quantum of power to Nepal at the earliest. Further, the Commission agreed to expedite the process for implementation of medium-term strengthening works for additional power supply to Nepal.
JMCWR recommended that the finalization of the Draft Memorandum of Understanding on Cross Border Interconnection for Electric Power Trade Agreement received from Government of Nepal including a second cross border transmission line for joint development be expedited.
Other issues of mutual interest including irrigation, flood, etc., were discussed. JMCWR expressed satisfaction that experts from both sides were mutually resolving these issues in various mechanisms.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting.
