Kathmandu, December 21
An inter-country group of experts formed to resolve disputes regarding the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project between Nepal and India has failed to meet its deadline.
In July 2016, energy officials of the two countries had formed the bilateral body to resolves differences over the detailed project report of the ambitious project. It was assigned to complete its task and submit the report by November this year.
But, the team did not make any progress besides meeting twice to discuss the issues, informs Chief Executive Officer of the project, Mahendra Bahadur Gurung.
Gurung is hopeful that the two government will extend the deadline of the group as they had agreed to expedite the project during Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s visit to New Delhi in August.
However, the officials are unlikely to sit for any formal meeting anytime soon as the position of secretary at the Central Water Commission in India is vacant for last one and half months.
Nepal has been objecting to the draft DPR prepared by WAPCOS of India as it proposes India get 78 per cent of water resources from the project.
Nepal and India had signed to construct the project in far-western Nepal around 22 years ago. The neighbours had agreed to finalise the DPR in next six months then.
