Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)

Source-This post on Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) is based on the article “Nepal-India official dialogue silent on landmark Pancheshwar project” published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Despite the recent agreement between India and Nepal, discussions over the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) are still deadlocked.

What is Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)?

Background– In February 1996, India and Nepal entered into the Mahakali Treaty. The focal point of this treaty is the implementation of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.

1. About– It is a bi-national hydropower project between India and Nepal, planned for development along the Mahakali River, which forms the border between the two countries.

2. Aim– Its main goals are to produce energy and improve irrigation in both countries.

3. Features:
a. It includes building a 315-meter tall dam across the Mahakali River, called Sharda in India.
b. The project aims to generate about 6,480 MW of energy, divided equally between both sides.
c. It will also provide water for irrigating 130,000 hectares of land in Nepal and 240,000 hectares in Indian territory.

4. Concern– Environmentalists have raised concerns about its potential impact on regional ecology and local communities.

What is Mahakali Treaty?

1. About:
a. It is an agreement between the Governments of India and Nepal regarding the integrated development of the Mahakali River.
b. The treaty recognizes the Mahakali River as a boundary river between the two countries.

2. Signed– The treaty was signed in 1996.

About Mahakali river (Sharda River)

1. Origin– The Sharda River, also called Kali River and Mahakali River, originates from Kalapani in the Himalayas, situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

2. Flow- The river flows along Nepal’s western border with India and joins the Ghaghara (Karnali/Manchu) River, which is a tributary of the Ganga.

3. Tributaries:
a. Left- Chameliya, Ramgun in Nepal
b. Right- Kuthi, Dhauli, Gori, Sarju, Ladhiya rivers in Uttarakhand (India)

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/ Geography in news