India’s Cooperation with Nepal in Water Resources
India is also holding discussions with Nepal on Saptakosi High Dam Project on river Kosi and West Rapti (Naumure) Multipurpose Project on river West Rapti. These projects upon implementation, would provide benefits to peoples of India and Nepal, for hydro-power generation, irrigation besides moderating flood effects.
Dialogue Mechanism:
India is in constant dialogue with Nepal through a three tier mechanism — Joint Ministerial level Commission on water Resources (JMCWR) co-chaired by Ministers of Water Resources of India of India and Nepal, Joint committee on Water Resources (JMWR) at the level of Secretaries of Water Resources of India and Department of Energy of Nepal and Joint Standing Technical Committee (JSTC).
Solution to Flood Problems:
Construction of big dams/reservoirs on rivers at suitable locations are considered as permanent solution to floods, especially if dedicated fold cushion is provided in the storage reservoirs. Big dams moderate the floods in downstream by way of releasing controlled discharge through spillway.
India Nepal Projects:
Following 3 projects are under discussion with Nepal Government:
- Panchewshwar Multipurpose Project on river Sharda (Mahakali in Nepal),
- Saptakosi High Dam Project on river Kosi and West Rapti (Naumure)
- Multipurpose Project on river West Rapti
These high dam projects, on implementation, would provide benefits to people of India and Nepal, both, in the form of hydro-power, irrigation and flood moderation.
