India and Nepal to discuss strengthening Koshi embankment
25 Aug 2008, 1739 Hrs

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Kathmandu, Aug 25 (ANI): Nepal's Agriculture and Cooperative Minister Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta today said that the Nepal government has started diplomatic talks with the India to control the wearing away of the embankments by the Saptakoshi River and to operate the blocked highway.

After inspecting the flood-hit areas in Sunsari district, Gupta today said that Nepal has requested the Indian government for immediate maintenance of the embankment and to provide an alternative route on the Indian soil for the time being.

Responding to the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries regarding the fear of shutdown of over 500 industries in the Sunsari-Morang corridor, Gupta pointed out the need of a Bailey bridge for the operation of the highway.

More than 10 kilometers of road along the East-West Highway has been swept away by the Saptakoshi floods.

Earlier today President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav said that the government is planning on providing separate settlements to the people displaced by the Saptakoshi River, Nepalnews reported. (ANI)