A meeting between India and Nepal is being held today in Kathmandu to discuss a new flood forecasting model before the monsoon season begins. The aim of the meeting is to improve flood management and reduce damage caused by heavy rains.
The Indian team is led by Santosh Kumar Mall from the Water Resources Department of Bihar. Officials from both countries will take part in the discussion and share ideas on how to better handle flood situations.
This meeting comes after the 11th session of the India-Nepal Joint Committee on the Kosi and Gandak projects, which was also held in Kathmandu earlier this month. In that meeting, both sides discussed important water management and infrastructure topics.
During the earlier talks, India and Nepal agreed on several steps to improve river and canal systems. Nepal has now agreed to remove illegal encroachments along a 35-kilometer stretch of the Western Kosi Main Canal. Similar clearances will also be done near the Kosi and Gandak barrages.
In addition, electric poles located along the canal embankments will be shifted to new locations. This will help in easier maintenance and better safety of the canal system.
Officials say these changes will reduce problems in managing the canal and improve access to service roads. It will also help workers carry out repairs and maintenance more easily.
Both countries are working together to strengthen flood control systems and prepare better for the upcoming monsoon season. This cooperation is expected to improve safety for people living in flood-prone areas along the rivers.