Kathmandu, May 26

India has expressed concerns about the construction activity undertaken by Nepal at Susta  a disputed territory between Nepal and India in Nawalparasi district.

Foreign Ministry sources acknowledged they had received a letter from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu objecting to the constructions in Susta, but declined to share the contents of the letter.

Sources at the Indian Embassy said last week’s communication to the government of Nepal had to do with the construction of an embankment of stone and mesh wire on the Gandaki River in the disputed Susta area of Nawalparasi district.

“Even though Susta is a disputed area, the Indian side was not consulted before carrying out any construction activity there,” said Vinay Kumar, deputy chief of mission at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

Sources said Nepal is constructing an embankment and a foot bridge in Susta but not in disputed area.

“The government is consulting concerned stakeholders to verify the genuineness of the claim by India,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tara Prasad Pokhrel said.

Susta and Kalapani have remained disputed areas between Nepal and India and a joint Boundary Working Group was set up to resolve the boundary row in 2014. However, the task force has not begun its field survey yet.