India and Nepal are two neighboring countries with an extensive shared history, culture, and geography. The relationship between these two nations is not just limited to diplomacy and trade, but also extends to key areas of mutual interest such as water management and energy cooperation. One such significant project that showcases the strength and potential of this bilateral relation is the Sapta Kosi High Dam Project.
The Sapta Kosi High Dam Project
The Sapta Kosi High Dam is a multipurpose project proposed for construction on the Saptakoshi River of Nepal, which is known as the Kosi River in India. The main objective of this project is to control floods in southeast Nepal and northern Bihar while simultaneously generating hydroelectric power. Upon completion, this dam promises to provide comprehensive irrigation solutions, robust flood control mechanisms, and generate 3000 MW of electricity.
Understanding the Mahakali Treaty
The Mahakali Treaty, signed in 1996, pertains to the integrated development of the Mahakali River, encompassing Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage, and Pancheshwar project. Known as Sharda River or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand, the Mahakali River later joins the Ghagra river in Uttar Pradesh, which is a tributary of Ganga.
Insight into Kosi River System
The Kosi River, a trans-boundary river system, originates in Tibet, passes through Nepal, and then merges into the Gangetic plains of India. It carries a massive volume of silt and sand, second only to the Brahmaputra in India. Famously referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar,” the annual floods lead to severe disruption of the agricultural landscape spanning about 21,000 sq. km., which significantly impacts the rural economy of Bihar.
Recent Developments in India-Nepal Relations
The recent years have witnessed some significant developments in the bilateral relationship. In 2008, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Nepal and Sutlej Jal Vikas Nigam (SJVN) Limited for the Sapta Kosi project on a Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis. This agreement entitles the project to be managed by SJVN for a period of 30 years, inclusive of a five-year construction phase.
Nepal has extended an invitation to Indian firms to invest in the West Seti hydropower project, thereby further strengthening the energy cooperation between the two countries. Another milestone achievement is the operationalisation of the 35-kilometer-long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal. This railway connection is set to be further extended to Bijalpura and Bardibas in Nepal.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
One of exam questions was about correctly matching different ethnic communities with the countries they are associated with. This question included Kurd (Bangladesh), Madhesi (Nepal), and Rohingya (Myanmar). The correct answer was option ‘c’, indicating that Madhesi are associated with Nepal and Rohingya with Myanmar. The Kurds, contrary to the provided pairing, reside in South-eastern Turkey, North-eastern Syria, northern Iraq, North-western Iran and South-western Armenia rather than Bangladesh.
