Wednesday, May 11 2005 16:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government today (May 11, 2005) said in Lok Sabha that implementation of various economic cooperation projects with Nepal, including in the field of water resources, may get delayed in view of the "current disturbed conditions" in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Making a statement in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said that India will support all efforts for restoration of political stability and economic prosperity in Nepal.

"To this end, we would continue to work together with Nepal for the implementation of various economic cooperation projects, including in the field of water resources, although their implementation may get delayed in view of the current disturbed conditions," he said.

The statement giving the present status of implementation of recommendations made in the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs said that India attached "high priority" to strengthening of cooperation with Nepal in the water resources sector.

Following a comprehensive review of India-Nepal cooperation in the field of water resources last year (2004), the two sides worked out a definite roadmap to move forward on various projects.

The Minister said that it was agreed to prepare a comprehensive strategy for flood management and control, including measures that could be implemented in the short or medium term.

He said that various technical-level follow-up meetings were also planned but these had to be rescheduled in the light of recent developments in Nepal.