India concerned about long-term solution for Koshi Dam breach

Kathmandu, July 13 (ANI): India's Minister for Water Resource and Parliamentary Affairs Pawan Kumar Bansal has said India is concerned about the long-term solution for Koshi Dam breach.

Bansal who inspected the Koshi breach area in Sunsari and the reconstruction works at the dam on Sunday said India is serious about the problems caused by Koshi Dam and disclosed that the concerned authorities have been directed to take up all necessary measures including reconstruction works at the Koshi Dam.

"India is also 'concerned' about the high dam and the study on its possibility is underway," he added.

Nepal's Minister for Irrigation Bal Krishna Khand and Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood also accompanied the inspection team, Nepalnews reported.

Tens of thousands of people had been displaced in Morang and Sunsari districts after the breach in the Koshi embankment triggered massive floods last year.

Koshi floods had also displaced Indians of Arariya, Supoul, Baguwan, Basanpur, Dumarwana, Dhurna and other parts of Bihar state that have come to Sunsari and Morang districts.

Under a treaty signed between India and Nepal in 1954, India assumed responsibility for constructing, operating and maintaining the Koshi project for the benefits of controlling floods in monsoon and receiving water for irrigation during winter. (ANI)