The joint committee on Kosi and Gandak Projects (JCKGP) of India and Nepal is set to convene its 11th bilateral meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, starting May 1. The two-day meeting will address critical issues related to flood management, irrigation, and operational coordination of the transboundary river projects.
Discussions on Flood Forecasting
On the second day, discussions will focus on advanced flood forecasting mechanisms for rivers originating in Nepal and flowing into India. These talks aim to enhance early warning systems and mitigate flood risks in vulnerable regions.
Key Agenda Items
According to a communiqué from the state water resources department (WRD), the meeting will deliberate on resolving long-pending issues regarding flood security, strengthening irrigation arrangements, and ensuring effective regulation of the Kosi and Gandak projects. These projects are crucial for Bihar, which faces recurring floods due to its river systems.
Kosi Project Concerns
Key issues concerning the Kosi project include security in the project area, maintenance of infrastructure, erosion along embankments on both sides of the Birpur barrage, and regulation of gates in the western Kosi canal. Other concerns involve maintenance of service roads in Nepal, removal of encroachments, safety of project personnel, and challenges posed by the presence of a wildlife sanctuary in the region.
Gandak Project Issues
For the Gandak project, discussions will center on unauthorized occupation of acquired land, waterlogging in agricultural fields due to drainage obstructions, maintenance of water discharge and canal water levels, flood protection measures, and anti-erosion work. The regulation of silt-laden water flow and upkeep of service roads will also be taken up.
Indian Delegation
The WRD will be represented by a nine-member delegation of senior officials and engineers led by principal secretary Santosh Kumar Mall. A five-member team from the Union jal shakti ministry, along with representatives from the ministry of external affairs, will participate on behalf of India. Officials from Nepal will join their Indian counterparts for detailed technical and administrative discussions.
Urgency and Data Sharing
Officials emphasized that resolution of these issues has become urgent as they pose significant hurdles to Bihar’s flood control and irrigation efforts. Another important agenda item will be the sharing of real-time data on rainfall and water levels from Nepal through an application programming interface (API), which will enhance Bihar’s flood forecasting system.
Expected Outcomes
The meeting is expected to strengthen India-Nepal cooperation in managing shared river resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. The outcomes will have a direct impact on flood management and irrigation in Bihar, particularly in areas prone to flooding from the Kosi and Gandak rivers.
