A meeting between India and Nepal will be held in Kathmandu today to discuss a flood forecasting model ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. The Indian delegation will be led by Santosh Kumar Mall, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Bihar. This development follows the conclusion of the two-day 11th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Committee on the Kosi and Gandak projects, held in Kathmandu on the 30th of April and 1st of May. During the meeting, both sides reached agreement on several key issues related to water management and infrastructure.

Nepal has agreed to remove encroachments along the 35-kilometre Nepali stretch of the Western Kosi Main Canal, as well as from the Kosi Barrage, Gandak Barrage, and sections of the Western Main Canal. In addition, approval has been granted for shifting electric poles installed on the embankments of the Western Kosi Main Canal.

According to a statement issued by the Water Resources Department, these measures are expected to ease operational challenges and improve maintenance of the canal and its service roads. The ongoing cooperation between the two countries is aimed at strengthening flood management mechanisms and ensuring better preparedness during the monsoon season.