Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who returned after two days of Nepal visit here on Friday, said he spoke to Nepal President and Prime Minister over the construction of high dams as flood control measure and save Bihar from the fury of flood because of the rivers originating from the Himalayan nation.
Nitish, who visited Nepal at the invitation of the Nepali Congress and attended its 13th National Convention, said he also talked about the joint project on Sankoshi and Saptkoshi for which project office has been established and initial works are going on. The CM was of the firm opinion that Nepal can emerge as a major hub of energy sector as the country has potential to generate about one lakh megawatt of hydel power. Nitish said, “I discussed the matter with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and suggested that hydel power could become a booster for economic growth of Nepal and possibly become Asia’s richest country. I gave him example of Bhutan where 20,000 MW hydel power generation has increased per capita income. If Nepal gives attention on its hydel power potential it could also solve flood problem.”
During his two stay Nitish noticed acute power shortage and load shedding. He said hydel power generation would solve Nepal power crisis and its surplus power could be purchased by India. The CM met Nepal President Vidya Devi Bhandari, PM Oli, former PMs Baburam Bhattarai, Pushp Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Madhav Nepal and Sher Bahadur Deoba and former President Rambaran Yadav besides family members of B P Koirala.
He also held talks with leaders of Nepal Congress and Madhesi leaders. He said some new districts in the terai region are coming up and Madhesis are agitating over its finalization of regions and dilution of rights given in the constitution.
Asked about the Madhesi agitation, the CM said it was a natural but internal matter of Nepal. “We have very cordial and emotional relations with Nepal and this relation is linked to roti and beti. Everyone is interested for the development of Nepal and solution of its problems. “India is always ready to help Nepal and I am confident its leadership is capable to solving its internal issues,” he added.