Nepal Raises Concerns Over Chinese River Construction

Nepal Protests Chinese Construction Along Bhotekoshi River

Kathmandu, April 28: The construction of a safety wall by China along the Bhotekoshi River, which lies on the Chinese side of the Nepal-China border, has sparked significant protests from Nepal.

Nepal is concerned that this construction may alter the river's natural flow, potentially causing harm to its territory. Officials from Nepal have indicated that these activities breach the boundary agreement established in 1963, which mandates that both nations must notify each other prior to any construction along the border.

The agreement also prohibits either side from unilaterally changing the course of rivers that define their boundary.

Officials from Nepal's Home Ministry have confirmed that the Chinese side is indeed erecting a safety wall within its territory across the border.

The Bhotekoshi River runs through the Tatopani border area in Sindhupalchowk district and serves as a natural demarcation between the two nations.

Ram Krishna Adhikari, the Chief District Officer of Sindhupalchowk, stated that the wall has been constructed on the Chinese side. He noted that whether these construction activities align with the bilateral agreements will be assessed by the relevant Nepali authorities.

A Home Ministry representative revealed that the District Administration Office in Sindhupalchowk had recently alerted the government about the ongoing construction near the border, which was then escalated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic intervention.

Following this, the Foreign Ministry urged China to cease construction activities immediately, as reported by local media.

While Foreign Ministry officials were unavailable for immediate comments, a senior Home Ministry official confirmed that a diplomatic note protesting the construction without prior notification had been dispatched to the Chinese authorities. "We have provided the Foreign Ministry with details regarding the construction activities by the Chinese side," the official stated.

The Bhote Koshi River is located in a region prone to disasters, and officials warn that any construction or alteration of its course could significantly impact Nepal during the monsoon season. Landslides are common near the border, and trade with China is frequently disrupted during heavy rains.

Reports indicate that the construction is taking place near border pillar number 53 of the Nepal-China boundary. The 1963 boundary protocol obligates both nations to refrain from intentionally altering the river's course and to implement measures to prevent such changes. It also stipulates that both sides should collaborate to mitigate losses and includes provisions for compensation if one party's actions cause damage across the border due to changes in the river's flow.