Koshi embankment work on track: Menon

KATHMANDU, Feb 18: India´s External Affairs Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon said on Wednesday that the work on the Koshi River embankment is going on as per schedule. Speaking at a press conference in the capital at the end of his two-day visit, India´s top diplomat said that the repair of the embankment ravaged by heavy Koshi floods last year is "on track, on schedule". [break]

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"But we have to think of longer term solution because of heavy siltation in the river," Menon added.




When asked about India´s response to Nepal´s proposal that the former build the 207 megawatt Naumure project, Menon said it was yet to be ascertained how much of the project was hydropower-related and how much of it was irrigational.



Nepal has asked India to build the Naumure project located on the West Rapti River, on the border between Dang and Pyuthan districts.



Menon reiterated his government´s position on 1950 Treaty, saying India is happy to sit down with Nepal to review the 1950 Treaty whenever Nepali side wants.



Responding to "growing" Nepal-China ties, he said his country has no problems with the two countries´ relations.



On Tuesday, the Indian foreign secretary met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal at Baluwatar. He also met former prime minister and Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala after meeting the PM.