Kathmandu: Drinking Water Minister Pradip Yadav and an Indian delegation visiting Nepal conducted a meeting at the Ministry of Drinking Water, focusing on sustainable solutions to the drinking water crisis in the Tarai region.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Indian expert team returned to Kathmandu after conducting on-site monitoring and inspection in the Madhes Province to assess the water crisis. Ministry’s Spokesperson Mina Shrestha stated that the team briefed Minister Yadav on the current status, challenges, and efforts being made for both immediate and long-term solutions to the water shortage in the Tarai-Madhes area. The team, having visited the drought-affected districts since August 12, plans to draft a plan of action once their report is finalized.
Minister Yadav noted that intensive discussions were held with the expert team and expressed that the government will proceed based on the consultations’ conclusions and recommendations. He also mentioned the previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, highlighting the potential for enhanced Nepal-India relations through this cooperation.
Minister Yadav extended his gratitude to the Indian government for their support and expressed hope for a concrete agreement on a long-term solution to the water crisis during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to India.
The meeting was attended by Secretary at the Ministry of Drinking Water, Engineer Pramila Devi Shakya Bajracharya, Joint Secretary Engineer Shrestha, Engineer Kamal Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director General of the Department of Drinking Water Narayan Prasad Acharya, among other Nepali officials. From the Indian side, Regional Director of Dehradun Prashant Rai, Jagadamda Prasad of the Department of Lucknow, and Drinking Water and Sanitation Advisor Ashish Pande were present.