Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has seriously been preparing for his India visit. Possibly this coming Monday or Tuesday, the date of the visit will be formally announced.

Some of the remaining problems will be solved during Prime Minister Bhattarai’s India visit. It may be recalled that considerable agreements had been reached during his visit to India as the interim prime minister nine years back,

During PM Bhattarai’s India visit, the final shape will be given to the controversial and much talked about Integrated Mahakali Development Project. Technical experts of both the countries have already prepared the DPR and an office regarding this was opened in Kathmandu last month. As both sides are prepared, there will be an agreement during Bhattarai’s visit, says the Ministry of Water Resources.

Similarly, it is said that India is ready to arrive at a solution of the Kalapani problem. Meanwhile the Nepal side expects that India will agree on the implementation of the Pancheswor Multi-purpose Project and purchasing of electricity generated from the Karnali Project.It also expects progress on the issue regarding the down stream benefits.

An agreement regarding the expansion of railway service in Nepal will be signed. Both sides have been doing homework for direct flights between Kathmandu and Banglore and Ahmahadabad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes that Indian will announce assistance in the field of road, health and education.

Other issues that will be discussed during Bhattarai’s visit include SAARC summit, Bhutanese refugee problem, and 1950’s treaty among others.

(Naya Rastra Pukar, Thursday, Dec. 9)