Nepal and India have recently agreed to speed up their collaborative approach in hydropower projects and expand their partnership on key issues like energy, water resources, and irrigation. Nepal’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Deepak Khadka, announced this on a visit to India from November 3 to November 6. Khadka met India Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, apart from meeting Water Resources Minister, C R Patil, to discuss the reinforcement of cross-border energy infrastructure.
This will be an important step forward for several joint projects that could boost energy security, water management, and infrastructural development in both nations, with a special focus on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and the Arun Third Hydropower Project.
Development of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and Arun Third Hydropower Project by both countries,
Both sides agreed with Indian officials to expedite work on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, a major hydropower and irrigation project on the Mahakali River, which forms a natural border between India and Nepal. The discussion on Pancheshwar, which has been under way for decades, will supply significant hydroelectric power both to the countries besides supporting water resource management, including flood control and irrigation.
In turn, the Nepalese delegation could obtain a commitment from India to support complete the Arun Third Hydropower Project, one of the big hydropower projects in Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal built by an Indian company. The project is supposed to supply electricity to Nepal and consequently other surrounding areas. Toward this end, the Nepalese side agreed to expedite land acquisition, hence facilitating continuation of the work of the project.
Focus on Renewable Energy: Setting up Solar Panels for Irrigation and Drinking Water in Hilly Areas
In another example of cross-border cooperation, India has agreed to help Nepal by installing solar panels for drinking water and irrigation facilities in Nepal’s hilly regions. The renewable energy program will focus on increasing rural access to water where mainstream infrastructure is limited.
Both countries will utilize solar energy to improve the supply and access of water in mountainous regions by providing sustainable energy systems. The region has experienced inconsistent rainfall patterns and droughts because of climate change, and this project would assist in minimizing the impacts of climate change on water accessibility.
Enhancing Electricity Trade: Nepal Proposes to Utilize Indian Transmission Lines for Shipping Electrical Exports to Bangladesh
Part of bilateral discussions was the request of Nepal seeking permission from India to utilize its transmission lines for exporting to Bangladesh. Nepal has inked an agreement with Bangladesh for supplying 40 MW to Bangladesh for five months between July 15 and November 15. However, since the two countries don’t share connectivity in their respective power grids, the export is contingent upon India’s transmission structure.
According to Nepal’s Department of Electricity Development Director General Nabin Raj Singh, the Indian government has reacted positively and is likely to give permission soon. The move is indeed an important step toward regional energy cooperation at a time when electricity demand in South Asia is fast rising. Surplus electricity export supports Nepal’s energy sector while it also reinforces its economic ties both with India and Bangladesh.
Strengthening Infrastructure: Transmission Lines and Flood Control Mechanisms
In the course of these meetings, both the Nepalese and Indian delegations have discussed joint efforts to improve the infrastructure of transmission lines and develop flood control mechanisms at their shared borders. Strengthening these transmission lines will help both countries reap the fruits of healthy electricity trade as well as reinforce grid stability in the two regions.
The two sides also reiterated the importance of effective flood control measures, as the two sides share river systems that cause flood risks during the monsoon seasons. There have been floods along the boundary of Nepal and India that have continuously affected agriculture, infrastructures, and communities on both sides of the countries. Cooperative flood control efforts will also benefit the two countries, especially in the most vulnerable regions.
Coming to Regional Energy Needs and Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
In hydropower, and even more broadly in energy infrastructure, this expansion ties up with regional objectives for sustainable development and energy security. In Nepal and India, augmentations of their capacities in renewable energy are under way because of increases in demand. Hydropower is a major opportunity in the South Asia context. Being a country with this extensive river network, Nepal has many opportunities as a producer and exporter of hydropower, and certainly projects such as Pancheshwar and Arun Third will contribute to the region’s renewable energy targets.
Both India and Nepal are contributing to broader climate goals, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and better resilience to climate impacts, through greater focus in renewable energy programs and infrastructure development. The importance of installing solar panels for irrigation and drinking water further serves to emphasize a commitment to sustainability.
Future Prospects for Nepal-India Energy and Water Cooperation
The visit is viewed as a step in the right direction in realizing the common goals of energy and water resource management by both countries. With hydropower development accelerating, India and Nepal would most likely consider more collaborative projects in the future, thus further bonding bilateral ties.
This visit’s results underscore the increased role of energy cooperation in the region, filling the gap with cross-border hydropower projects that can help manage water resources and stimulate economic development. Growing demand for renewable energy sources and related infrastructure development place Nepal and India at the very heart of South Asia’s transition to sustainable and resilient energy systems.
Source: Newsweek