Daily Current Affairs : 2-March-2024

The current communication between Nepal and India did not make progress on the vital Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP). This is disappointing, especially since a long-term power-sharing agreement was signed over a month ago. The lack of attention to the PMP highlights ongoing challenges, specifically regarding benefit-sharing between the two nations.

About the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)

The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project is a significant hydropower initiative located on the Mahakali River, which flows between Nepal and India. It is based on the integrated Mahakali Treaty signed in 1996. The main goals of the PMP include:

  • Energy Generation: The project is expected to produce around 6,480 megawatts (MW) of energy.
  • Irrigation Support: It aims to provide irrigation for:
    • 130,000 hectares of land in Nepal
    • 240,000 hectares of land in India

Challenges Facing the PMP

Despite its potential benefits, the PMP remains stalled. The primary issue is the disagreement over how to share the benefits from the project. This disagreement has created hurdles that prevent the project from moving forward.

Key Issues Include:
  • Benefit Sharing: Both countries need to agree on how to divide the benefits derived from the energy and irrigation that the PMP will provide.
  • Financial Investments: Securing the necessary investments is crucial for the project’s initiation. Without clear terms on benefit sharing, investors may be reluctant to commit.
  • Political Will: Strong political commitment from both nations is essential for resolving disputes and moving the project ahead.

Important Points:

Project Overview:

  • The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) is a joint hydropower initiative on the Mahakali River between Nepal and India.
  • Governed by the integrated Mahakali Treaty signed in 1996.

Goals of the PMP:

  • Expected to generate approximately 6,480 megawatts (MW) of energy.
  • Aims to provide irrigation for:
    • 130,000 hectares of land in Nepal.
    • 240,000 hectares of land in India.

Current Status:

  • Recent Nepal-India dialogue did not advance discussions on the PMP.
  • Lack of focus on the project despite a long-term power-sharing agreement signed over a month ago.

Challenges:

  • Main issue is disagreement over benefit-sharing.
  • Hurdles prevent the project from moving forward.

Key Issues:

  • Benefit Sharing: Need for an agreement on dividing benefits from energy and irrigation.
  • Financial Investments: Importance of securing necessary investments; unclear terms deter investors.
  • Political Will: Strong political commitment required from both countries to resolve disputes and advance the project.

Why In News

The recent Nepal-India official dialogue did not address progress on the significant Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP), despite the signing of a long-term power-sharing agreement over a month ago, leaving many stakeholders concerned about the future of this vital initiative.

MCQs about The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project

  1. What is the primary objective of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)?
    A. To promote tourism between Nepal and India
    B. To generate hydropower and provide irrigation
    C. To enhance trade routes between the two countries
    D. To develop infrastructure for transportation
    Correct Answer: B. To generate hydropower and provide irrigation
    Explanation: The PMP aims to generate approximately 6,480 MW of energy and provide irrigation support for extensive agricultural lands in both Nepal and India.
  2. Which treaty governs the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project?
    A. Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty
    B. Mahakali Treaty
    C. South Asian Cooperation Treaty
    D. Water Resource Management Agreement
    Correct Answer: B. Mahakali Treaty
    Explanation: The PMP is governed by the integrated Mahakali Treaty, which was signed in 1996, outlining the framework for cooperation on shared water resources.
  3. What is the main challenge currently facing the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project?
    A. Lack of interest from investors
    B. Disagreement over benefit-sharing
    C. Insufficient water resources
    D. Political instability in Nepal
    Correct Answer: B. Disagreement over benefit-sharing
    Explanation: The project remains stalled primarily due to disagreements over how to share the benefits derived from the energy and irrigation it will provide.
  4. What recent development has raised concerns about the future of the PMP?
    A. Increase in energy demand in the region
    B. Signing of a long-term power-sharing agreement
    C. Lack of progress in official Nepal-India dialogue
    D. Completion of preliminary assessments
    Correct Answer: C. Lack of progress in official Nepal-India dialogue
    Explanation: The recent dialogue did not address any progress on the PMP, causing concerns among stakeholders about the future of this important project.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading