BIRATNAGAR: Minister for Irrigation Bal Krishna Khand today said the government was introducing a long-term plan for the sustainable management of the Saptakoshi river.

Inspecting the areas affected by last year's Koshi floods, he said the government had prioritised controlling erosion of land and would provide relief to the flood victims. He said his party had taken foreign minister's act of cancelling her India visit accompanying the PM seriously. "Nepali Congress will soon make its view on the issue public," he added.

He said a serious discussion was held over the issue in party's central committee. "If deemed necessary, Sujata can be asked to clarify her move." Asked about the cause of her doing so, Khand said, "She cited illness. That's all I know." He said such debates in the party would not weaken but strengthen it. "Sujata's act will not affect the government," he added.