An inception report
for taking up joint investigations/studies and preparation of
detailed project report in respect of Sapta Kosi High Dam Multipurpose
Project and Sun Kosi Storage Cum Diversion Scheme has been agreed
between India and Nepal. The project will interalia have flood
control benefits for the State of Bihar.
Further as a non-structural
measure to forewarn and manage flood disasters, a plan scheme
namely, "Flood Forecasting and Warning System on rivers
common to India and Nepal" has been in operation since
1989. This scheme was reviewed in May, 2002 wherein it has been
agreed to increase the number of meteorological/hydrometric
sites in Nepalese territory from 42 to47. In addition Nepal
has also agreed to transmit real time data in respect of 5 key
hydrometic stations located on Gandak, Kosi, Rapti, Bagmati
and Mahananda rivers which in turn has helped in making flood
forecasts with increased warning times.
The proposal for
construction of multipurpose storage dams on river Kamla near
Chispani and on river Bagmati near Nonathar in Nepal is also
under discussion with Nepal. Efforts to workout an understanding
in this regard are in progress though Nepal feels that these
projects may not be feasible because of social and environmental
implications. However, at present there is no proposal under
discussion with Nepal regarding high dam at narainghat on river
Gandak.
An all party delegation
led by Chief Minister of Bihar submitted a memorandum to the
Prime Minister on 20.08.2002 inter-alia regarding Indo-Nepal
agreement on flood control.
As a follow up
of the above meeting, the proposal with an estimated cost of
Rs. 29.34 crore has been approved to set up the Joint Project
office (JPO) in nepal to take up the joint investigations/studies
and preparation of detailed project report in respect of Sapta
Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project and Sun Kosi Storage Cum
Diversion Scheme.
This information
was given by the Union Minister of State for Water Resources,
Smt. Bijoya Chakravarty in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
