New Delhi (NVI): India and Bangladesh held secretary-level meeting yesterday and both the sides have agreed to expand cooperation across entire gamut of water resources issues including framework for sharing of river waters.
“The India-Bangladesh Water Resources Secretary level meeting under the framework of the Joint Rivers Commission took place on March 16, 2021 at New Delhi,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The Indian delegation was led by Pankaj Kumar, Secretary (Water Resources, RD &GR), while the Bangladesh delegation was led by Kabir Bin Anwar, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources.
Notably, India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers which directly impact the livelihood of people in the two countries and both sides commended the close cooperation that exists between India and Bangladesh in the matter.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation across entire gamut of water resources issues including framework for sharing of river waters, mitigation of pollution, river bank protection, flood management, basin management etc., the ministry said.
It added that a Joint Technical Working Group will provide inputs on the matter.
Furthermore, the discussions were substantive and held in a cordial atmosphere. Both sides also agreed to schedule the next meeting at secretary level under JRC framework at Dhaka at mutually convenient dates, the statement added.
-RJV
