Nepal-India bilateral discussions suggest possibilities of operating waterways in Nepal

KATHMANDU, July 15: The possibilities of operating waterways in the Koshi and Narayani rivers were sought in the discussion held in the Capital on Sunday between authorities of Nepal and India.

The two-day discussion program has started in the Capital on Sunday with an objective to implement the agreement on inland waterways struck between Nepal and India during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s State visit to India on April 6-8.

“The discussion has pointed out possibilities of operating waterways in Nepal,” said Madhav Belbase, Chief of the Nepali delegation participating in the discussion and Joint Secretary at the Water and Energy Commission. Indian side during the discussion has accorded top priority to the waterway in Nepal, he added.

The conversation also focused on various issues including problems in cargo management in Haldia Port in India, he said. India has pledged to resolve these problems, he said.

The discussion agreed for Nepali authorities to carry out on site inspection of Kalughat in Patna, India, for operating waterways.

It was stressed during the discussion that cooperation was essential on various issues like trade and transit between Nepal and India in coordination with various entrepreneur associations like the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Belbase.  RSS