Sudurpaschim and Lumbini form joint task force to resolve Karnali river dispute

Dhangadhi: A joint task force has been established between Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces to address the ongoing dispute over the utilization of resources in the Karnali River. The task force aims to resolve issues related to the river’s resource use and conservation.

The decision to form the task force followed a joint dialogue held on Wednesday between the Chief Ministers of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. The discussion focused on the sustainable utilization and conservation of riverine resources associated with the Karnali River.

The newly formed suggestion task force will be coordinated by the Chief Minister and Secretary of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Lumbini Province. Members will include the Secretary of the Sudurpaschim Province government, representatives from the Forest Ministries of both provinces, officials from local governments along the riverbanks, park authorities, representatives from the Survey Office, and other relevant stakeholders.

The committee’s primary objective is to identify and prioritize problems linked to the three levels of government, propose actionable solutions, and provide necessary recommendations.

The dialogue between Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya and Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah took place in the Okharia Intake area of Geruwa Rural Municipality, a key location within the Karnali River watershed.