IG Aryal Urges Nepal-India Cooperation on Koshi Dam for Monsoon Safety

Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Raju Aryal, has urged for enhanced coordination between Nepal and India regarding the management of the Koshi River dam to mitigate the risk of monsoon flooding. In a discussion on monsoon disaster risk held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singhadarbar, Inspector General Aryal stressed the critical need for bilateral cooperation at various levels to effectively regulate the opening of the Koshi dam gates during periods of excessive water flow.

Highlighting the absence of a formal agreement on the operation of the Koshi Barrage, Inspector General Aryal underscored the dire consequences, including loss of lives in the Terai region due to inundation. He emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the two nations, particularly at the irrigation, health, and foreign secretary levels, to ensure prompt action when the water level surpasses three million cusecs.

Expressing concern over the existing lack of coordination and understanding between Nepal and India on this issue, Inspector General Aryal called upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to play a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and reaching consensus. The emphasis lies on forging a comprehensive agreement to streamline the management of the Koshi River dam, thereby enhancing flood resilience and safeguarding communities in both countries during the monsoon season.