Experts have advised to conduct extensive homework and consultations before starting the process of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) of the Saptakoshi High Dam.

Speaking at a programme in the Capital on Sunday, they said the government should consult with experts to ensure the project is beneficial to Nepal. During Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s visit to India last month, both countries agreed to expedite work on preparations of the DPR.

Former secretary Dwarika Nath Dhungel said that the government has not made sufficient preparations to push such multi-purpose projects. “I think we should not push Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and Koshi High Dam simultaneously. The government should have a priority,” Dhungel said, underlining the need of extensive homework if the government wants to move ahead with both projects at once. 

PM Deuba came under fire from his coalition partner a few days ago as the former said that an agreement had been forged with India on the construction of Koshi High Dam during his visit to India. Objecting to Deuba’s statement, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had called for a proper study in Nepal before moving ahead with the construction of the dam. “The government should take necessary steps only after the completion of a detailed study on whether building a high dam will be in interest of Nepal,” Dahal had said.

Experts have echoed Dahal’s statement, saying that there has not been any detailed study on possible benefits that the construction of dam would bring to Nepal. Water expert Govinda Sharma Pokhrel said Saptakoshi Dam should be constructed in a way that would be beneficial to Nepal. “The government should first form an expert panel. It should negotiate with India on the basis of the panel’s report,” said Pokhrel.