New Delhi: India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to enhance cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector including waste management, aimed at ensuring better access to clean drinking water and sanitation for their populations.
The signing ceremony took place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, in the national capital, in the presence of C R Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti and Pradeep Yadav, Nepal’s Minister of Water Supply.
The agreement aims to promote collaboration between the two nations and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation in the WASH sector.
The comprehensive MoU outlines a collaborative framework encompassing several key areas including training programs for Nepali personnel in water resource management and related fields and sharing of technological expertise and best practices between India and Nepal in the WASH sector, according to an official statement.
Besides, joint efforts in monitoring, assessment, and management of groundwater resources, including quality improvement, artificial recharge, and rainwater harvesting will also be undertaken as part of the agreement.
During the event, Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil, highlighted India’s significant achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in providing clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to all citizens. He emphasised that this MoU reflects the shared commitment of India and Nepal towards public health, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Nepal’s minister of water supply Pradeep Yadav commended India’s success in implementing large-scale clean drinking water and sanitation initiatives.
He stated that Nepal looks forward to learning from India’s experience in these sectors and that Nepali officials will visit key sites in India to gain insights and best practices. He further proposed that regular meetings should be held to ensure steady progress and mutual exchange of knowledge.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal, and Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, along with Secretaries Debashree Mukherjee and Ashok Kumar Meena, and other distinguished delegates.
This MoU marks a new chapter in the India-Nepal partnership, ensuring that both countries work together for the well-being of their people and for a sustainable future, the official statement added.
(IANS)
