The Governments of India and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including waste management. The agreement was formalised at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of key officials from both countries.

This MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between the two nations, focusing on improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. It establishes a structured framework for cooperation in several critical areas:

- Capacity Building: Training programs will be organized for Nepali personnel in water resource management and related fields. - Technology & Knowledge Transfer: India and Nepal will share expertise, innovative solutions, and best practices in the WASH sector. - Groundwater Management: Joint initiatives will be undertaken for groundwater monitoring, quality improvement, artificial recharge, and rainwater harvesting.

India’s progress in implementing large-scale clean drinking water and sanitation projects has set a benchmark in the region. Nepal aims to leverage India’s experience and expertise to enhance its own infrastructure and service delivery in these sectors. As part of the agreement, Nepali officials will visit key project sites in India to study successful models and adopt best practices.

To ensure steady progress and knowledge exchange, both countries will hold regular meetings and discussions. Senior officials from India and Nepal, including ambassadors and government secretaries, attended the signing ceremony, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to sustainable development and regional cooperation in the WASH sector.

News source: PIB