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Recently, India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including waste management. The signing ceremony took place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key Objectives and Components of the MoU

• Capacity Building: Training programs for Nepali personnel in water resource management.
• Technology and Knowledge Transfer: Exchange of best practices and innovations in WASH.
• Groundwater Management: Joint efforts on:
  • Groundwater quality monitoring
  • Artificial recharge
  • Rainwater harvesting and conservation practices

Strategic Significance

• Promotes regional cooperation and sustainability in public health and water management.
• Nepal seeks to learn from India’s successful initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
• The agreement includes official visits, site inspections, and regular bilateral meetings to monitor progress.