KATHMANDU, AUGUST 15
Minister for Drinking Water Pradip Yadav and a visiting Indian delegation held a meeting at the Ministry of Drinking Water on Friday to discuss measures for finding a sustainable solution to the drinking water crisis in the Tarai.
The Indian expert team had returned to Kathmandu after conducting an on-site monitoring and inspection visit to Madhes Province to assess the severity of the crisis.
According to Ministry Spokesperson Mina Shrestha, the delegation briefed Minister Yadav on the current situation, the challenges being faced, and the efforts underway to address both the immediate and long-term shortages in the Tarai–Madhes region.
She noted that the team visited drought-affected districts from August 12 before returning to Kathmandu. A comprehensive plan of action will be developed once the inspection report is finalized, she added.
Minister Yadav said intensive discussions were held with the delegation and affirmed that the government would proceed based on the findings and recommendations of the consultations. He also recalled the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India's Ministry of Jal Shakti a few months ago, expressing confidence that this cooperation would further strengthen Nepal–India relations.
Thanking the Government of India for its support in addressing the crisis, Minister Yadav said he hoped for a concrete agreement between the two countries on a long-term solution during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's upcoming visit to India.
From the Nepali side, Secretary of the Ministry of Drinking Water Engineer Pramila Devi Shakya Bajracharya, Joint Secretary Engineer Shrestha, Engineer Kamal Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director General of the Department of Drinking Water Narayan Prasad Acharya, and other senior officials were present.
The Indian delegation included Regional Director of Dehradun Prashant Rai, Jagadamda Prasad of the Lucknow Department of Drinking Water, Sanitation Advisor Ashish Pande, and other members of the expert team.
