Nepal PM's November 22 Uttarakhand Visit to Take Up Pancheshwar Dam, Dry Port Plans
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit Uttarakhand during his India state visit starting November 22, with talks to cover the long-pending Pancheshwar Dam project, border trade infrastructure, and a proposed dry port in Mahendranagar.
Current Summary
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah is expected to visit Uttarakhand as part of his state visit to India beginning November 22, according to Uttarakhand cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj. Preparations are underway for discussions on the long-pending Pancheshwar Dam project on the Mahakali river, border trade and infrastructure including a proposed dry port in Mahendranagar, and expansion of tourism in the Terai region. The Pancheshwar project, a joint India-Nepal multipurpose scheme, has long been stalled over cost, water-sharing and benefit-sharing issues, though both countries have recently agreed to expedite finalising its detailed project report. The Nepalese Tourism Minister, Khadga Raj Paudel, is expected to accompany the Prime Minister, a presence officials say could give new direction to religious and tourism ties between the two countries.
What We Know
- Nepalese PM Balendra Shah is expected to visit Uttarakhand during his India state visit starting November 22.
- Talks are expected to cover the Pancheshwar Dam project, border trade and infrastructure, and a proposed dry port in Mahendranagar.
- Nepalese Tourism Minister Khadga Raj Paudel is expected to accompany him.
- Both countries have agreed to expedite finalising the Pancheshwar project's detailed project report.
What Is Still Unclear
- Exact itinerary and locations to be visited in Uttarakhand.
- Timeline for finalising the Pancheshwar Dam's detailed project report.
What Changed
- 10 Nov, 11:41 amSignal detected: Nepal PM's November 22 Uttarakhand Visit to Take Up Pancheshwar Dam, Dry Port Plans
Background
The Pancheshwar Dam is a long-planned multipurpose India-Nepal hydropower and irrigation project on the Mahakali river, which forms part of the Uttarakhand-Nepal border, and has been delayed for years over cost and water-sharing disputes.
