ITAHARI: Indian central minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources Pawan Kumar Bansal Sunday said that there was a need for understanding and cooperation between the two neighbours to solve the problems created by the Koshi river.

Bansal, accompanied by his Nepali counterpart Bal Krishna Khand, Indian central minister of State for Water Resources Wilson Yaspal and other high ranking officials from both the countries, inspected the flood hit sites today. Speaking to the journalists after the inspection here the Indian Minister said, “Indian government alone cannot solve all the problems caused by the Koshi River.” He,however, assured that India would continue to repair the Koshi Barrage and its embankment. “The eastern embankment of the Koshi river was more qualitative than it was expected,” the Indian minister said lauding the role of the construction company Bashishtha and Bashistha. Minister Bansal expressed satisfaction over the repair of the sluice gate no 12 and other structure. India had estimated that the total repair of the Koshi Barrage would cost at least 15 crore rupees.

Talking to the journalists, Nepalese Minister for Water Resources Bal Krishna Khand echoed the views of the Indian minister about they way the Koshi flood problems could be solved. He also expressed satisfaction over the reconstruction and lauded the Indian government for its efforts.

Indian ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood, water resource experts from both the countries and technicians were also in the inspection team.

Bansal is the highest ranking Indian government official to have inspected the sites since the devastating flood last year.