This was said at the secretary-level talks between the two countries on Thursday. The PDA was held back after the failure of the two sides to agree on the ToR first and then due to delay from India.[break]
“India is highly positive and is seen to be very supportive this time in taking up the pending water issues ahead for the benefit of both the countries,” a visiting delegation member from Nepal told Republica.
In the same spirit, the two sides have discussed and agreed to complete the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Sapta Koshi High Dam by 2013.
The review of progress work of Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project and Sunkoshi Storage cum Diversion Scheme was taken up. Despite Nepal´s best efforts to resume field investigation works -- suspended since May 2007 -- the work environment has not improved to recommence the drilling and drift works at Saptakoshi dam sites. This was discussed at the meeting, the source informed.
Nepal has set up two armed police posts at Chatara and Barahchhetra for providing security to the project personnel. India has asked for more security posts and has sought mobile security teams to provide security in the field.
The Indian side further recalled the decision made in the last two JCWR (Joint Committee on Water Resources) meetings regarding the downsizing of the project (JPOSKSKI) if the geological investigations at the relevant sites are not resumed soon. Indian side expressed concern that the drilling works at the Saptakoshi dam site could not be resumed.
In the last JCWR meeting in 2009 in Pokhara, Nepal, the two sides had agreed that in case the work cannot be resumed by March 2010, JPO personnel may be redeployed to effectively utilize their services or the strength may be downsized.
Meanwhile, the much-talked about offer by Bangladesh to buy 10,000 MW from Nepal, a proposal put forth by Bangladeshi PM to PM Baburam Bhattarai during the recently concluded SAARC, was not taken up by the JCWR. Participants of the talks have labeled the tripartite agreement in Koshi “less likely” anytime soon.
Unfortunately, the 200 MW power import request made to India during Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai´s visit to New Delhi in October is said to be “impractical” given the lack of infrastructure as the existing grids are incapable of carrying additional supply for power export from India. The northern grid in India is itself faced with a shortage of 15,000 MW. However, the Indian side has said that the power trade agreement will be expatiated for which India will work out the financial details.
“The Indian side is positive for power trade and has shown willingness to generate required funds for completion of cross-border transmission line construction,” the source added.
“Although India has not dropped all its terms and conditions for the hydro-power projects, it is highly supportive and this is a good sign,” another source told Republica. This is seen as direct fallout of the PM´s visit and goodwill generated at the political level.
On the 250 MW Numure Project, a deadlock has come to stay as Nepal could not decide whether the project should be taken up by the Energy Ministry or Irrigation Ministry. “The project could soon be dropped if Nepal fails to decide on this issue,” the source said. JCWR meeting will conclude Friday.
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