India and Nepal strengthen cooperation in water, sanitation, and hygiene sector with landmark MoU
| 2025-03-04
The agreement is expected to serve as a blueprint for long-term collaboration in water resource management
The agreement is expected to serve as a blueprint for long-term collaboration in water resource management
In a significant move towards regional sustainability, India and Nepal have officially strengthened their partnership in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement was formalized in New Delhi on Monday (March 3, 2025), in the presence of India’s Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil and Nepal’s Minister of Water Supply Pradeep Yadav.
Sustainability in the Long Run
Water conservation, sanitation, and waste management are at the heart of global sustainability efforts. The MoU between India and Nepal marks a crucial step in addressing these critical challenges, aiming to:
- Improve access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities
- Enhance intergovernmental cooperation on waste management solutions
- Strengthen groundwater conservation strategies
The agreement is expected to serve as a blueprint for long-term collaboration in water resource management, knowledge sharing, and infrastructural development.
Key Focus Areas of the MoU
The collaboration under this MoU will focus on several strategic areas:
- Capacity Building – India will provide specialized training programs for Nepali personnel, enhancing their skills in water resource management, sanitation technology, and related fields.
- Technology and Knowledge Transfer – A structured exchange of best practices and technological innovations will take place between both nations, fostering efficiency and sustainability in the WASH sector.
- Groundwater Management – A joint approach to monitoring, assessing, and managing groundwater resources will be implemented, including quality improvement initiatives, artificial recharge projects, and rainwater harvesting solutions.
During the MoU signing ceremony, Patil underscored India’s remarkable achievements in water conservation and sanitation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“India has successfully implemented large-scale initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, ensuring access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities for millions. This MoU reflects our dedication to extending our expertise to our neighbors and working towards a healthier, sustainable future,” he stated.
Nepal’s Minister of Water Supply acknowledged India’s success and expressed Nepal’s enthusiasm for learning from these large-scale implementations.
“India has demonstrated exemplary commitment to sustainable water management. Nepal is eager to collaborate and adapt these best practices to improve our own WASH infrastructure. Regular exchanges between our officials will ensure continued learning and progress,” Yadav noted.
High-Level Delegation in Attendance
The signing ceremony was graced by several esteemed dignitaries from both India and Nepal. These included India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava; Nepal’s Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma; Secretary, Department of Water Resources, India, Debashree Mukherjee; and Secretary, Water Supply Department, Nepal Ashok Kumar Meena.
To ensure the successful implementation of the MoU, both countries have agreed on the following measures:
Regular Bilateral Meetings – Joint working groups will be established to track progress and ensure the smooth execution of projects.
Site Visits for Knowledge Exchange – Nepali officials will visit key water and sanitation project sites in India to gain practical insights into the best practices being implemented.
Policy Alignment – Both nations will work on aligning their policies to streamline WASH-related regulations and encourage private sector participation in sustainable sanitation solutions.
How a Collaboration Creates a Healthier Tomorrow
This MoU exemplifies India and Nepal’s joint dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and improving public health. With a strong emphasis on capacity development, knowledge sharing, and effective groundwater management, the agreement seeks to uplift communities while reinforcing diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
As water crises and sanitation challenges continue to affect millions worldwide, this collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for the people of both countries. With this agreement, India and Nepal are reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development and taking concrete action towards a water-secure future.
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