Nepal and India sign MoU on habitat development, WASH sector

KATHMANDU, March 3: Nepal and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on habitat development.

Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav and Indian Minister for Jal Shakti (Water Resources) CR Patil have signed the MoU on the development of the water supply, sanitation, and cleanliness (housing) sector.

On Monday, Nepal and India formalized a significant MoU to develop the water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.

During a special event in New Delhi, Nepal's Minister for Water Supply, Pradeep Yadav, and India's Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments. Director General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewage Management, Ram Kumar Shrestha, shared this information.

According to him, Nepal and India signed the agreement to expand cooperation in the water supply, sanitation, and waste management sectors. The agreement aims to develop water sources, improve access to clean water, promote sanitation, enhance waste management, and strengthen Nepal's efforts in these areas.

The MoU states that the governments of India and Nepal seek to foster friendly cooperation and reinforce intergovernmental collaboration in the sanitation sector. Acknowledging Nepal's efforts and concerns regarding water security, the agreement aims to ensure access to safe drinking water and support people in sustaining their livelihoods in a safe environment.

The agreement outlines provisions for managing groundwater, exchanging technology and information, collecting and measuring rainwater, sharing technology, and providing technical and training support to the Government of Nepal. It aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Nepal in the water supply and sanitation sector.

Nepal's Ambassador to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, participated in the event. Also present were Secretaries of India's Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ashok Meena and Debashree Mukherjee, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepali Embassy, Dr Surendra Thapa; Secretary of Nepal's Ministry of Water Supply, Er Pramila Devi Shakya Bajracharya; Joint Secretary, Er Meena Shrestha; and Director General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, Ram Kumar Shrestha, among others.

Last Monday, the Cabinet approved Minister for Water Supply Yadav's visit to India. Minister Yadav left for an official visit to India on Saturday and is scheduled to return to Nepal tomorrow.