The State’s Tourism, Culture and Irrigation minister Satpal Maharaaz met the ambassador of Nepal to India, Nilambar Acharya and deputy chief of mission Ram Prasad Subedi at the Nepalese embassy in the national capital and discussed the Pancheshwar dam project and other issues.

Meeting the Nepalese representatives, Maharaaz conveyed the good wishes of chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat. He said that the open border between India and Nepal is a unique aspect of the relationship shared by the two nations which enables convenient movement of the people of both countries. Talking to the Nepalese ambassador, the minister referred to various historical, religious and other aspects which link the two nations and their people. He said that the two nations share a border more than 1,850 kilometres long in five Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. He said that the planned Ramayan circuit is a symbol of the strong cultural and religious links of the two nations. Considering this, it is important that the rail line be extended from Lumbini in Nepal to Gorakhpur in India and from Janakpur in Nepal to Ayodhya. He also discussed how tourism can be boosted with mutual cooperation in the times of Covid-19. The minister further said that along with Pancheshwar dam project, India is a partner in various development projects in Nepal. Considering this, it is essential that the two nations move forward on various development schemes with a cordial spirit of cooperation, added Maharaaz.