Nepal approves new Map: Includes Kalapani

On May 19, 2020, Nepap approved a new map that included the territories of Kalapani, Lipuleh and Limpiyadhura. However, the territories have been claimed by India as well. In October 2019, India issued a new political map that included Lipulekh and Kalapani on its side of border.

What is the issue?

In 1816, the kingdom of Nepal and British India signed the Treaty of Sugauli under which Kali River was fixed as the Western Border of Nepal. The issue has arisen in locating the source of the river that led to boundary disputes between India and Nepal. Both the countries are supporting their own claims.

India’s Claims

India recently inaugurated a road section in Pithogarh district of Uttarakhand. According to India, under treaty of Sugauli, Limpiyadhura is the point of origin of Kali river. It is the point where Nepal border begins.

Kali River

Kali river originates in Sivaliks ranges. The Himalayas are divided into three ranges namely Himadri, Himachal and Sivalik. The river is under India’s clean up target of National Ganga River Basin Authority.

National Ganga River Basin Authority

The National Ganga River Basin Authority was established under Environment Protection Act, 1986. The act also declared Ganges as the National River. The authority though has role in safeguarding the river basin, it is not involved in National Mission for Clean Ganga.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020