Nepal, India agree to prepare DPR of Saptakoshi high dam project in 30 months

KATHMANDU: Nepal and India have reached an agreement to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) of the Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project within 30 months.

The two sides have agreed to prioritize remaining works like geological study, environmental impact assessment (EIA), resettlement and rehabilitation study, and benefits due to flood training, and prepare the DPR.

A meeting of the joint team of experts from Nepal and India formed to study the high dam project and Sunkoshi Storage Diversion project held in Biratnagar on October 9-11 took the decision. Chiranjivi Chataut, Director-General of the Department of Electricity Development, led the Nepali delegation in the meeting, while the Indian delegation was led by Additional Secretary PM Scott, a member of the Central Water Commission of the Indian government.

The meeting also decided to reduce the height of the dam, taking into consideration projects in the upstream areas as well as social, environmental, and technical aspects, according to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.