Indo-Nepal meet: power project, Kosi top on agenda today

Although management of the Kosi topped the agenda during Nepal Premier Prachanda’s recent visit in the aftermath...

Although management of the Kosi topped the agenda during Nepal Premier Prachanda’s recent visit in the aftermath of the massive floods, the 6,000 MW Pancheshwar multi-purpose project on Mahakali River near Uttarakhand-Nepal border is likely to be the first to get off the block. The project was the result of a decision by both countries to “rejuvenate” their engagement on the water resources front.

While expediting preparations for a detailed project report (DPR) of the Saptkosi High Dam on Kosi will be high on the agenda of the secretary level talks between the two countries in Kathmandu on Monday, the Indian side is hoping a more tangible movement in taking forward the Pancheshwar project signed over a decade ago.

This would be the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Water Resources since it met in 2004. Water Resources Secretary UN Panjiar will head the Indian delegation comprising representatives of the Power Ministry and state governments of UP, Uttarakhand and Bihar, among others.

Story continues below this ad

Highly placed Government sources said the Indian side has prepared a draft to negotiate with Nepal on the Pancheshwar project. The cost of implementing the Pancheshwar project, estimated at about Rs 17,000 crore in 2002, has now escalated to about Rs 30,000 crore.

As it is a multi-purpose project that would benefit India in water resources management at the Mahakali river, the Indian delegation may even agree to bear the entire cost of the water component. India may ask Nepal to equally share the remaining cost of the project as the benefits would be meant for both countries, especially the power generated through the project.

The Indian side is also likely to press forward with Nepal to provide all support to expedite the work on preparing the DPR for the Saptkosi High Dam, as was agreed during Prachanda’s recent visit.