The government of Nepal has asked the Chinese side to immediately suspend the construction of a safety wall along the Bhote Koshi River, citing concerns that the project could forcibly alter the river’s natural course and result in significant damage to Nepal’s territory.
According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the unilateral construction has triggered a diplomatic response as Kathmandu seeks to protect its border integrity and environmental safety.
The issue was first brought to light approximately two weeks ago by the District Administration Office (DAO) in Sindhupalchowk. Local residents near the border noticed Chinese teams constructing a safety wall in close proximity to the Nepal-China international border, specifically near border pillar (marker) number 53. Following these reports from the local immigration office in Kodari, the Sindhupalchowk DAO alerted the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“We wrote to the Home Ministry asking whether such unilateral construction is covered by the bilateral agreement between Nepal and China, and whether it requires prior approval from the other party,” a district official told the agency.
Ananda Kafle, spokesperson for the Home Ministry, confirmed that the ministry facilitated the communication, which eventually led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a formal request to the Chinese side to halt the project.
Centre of Dispute
The primary legal concern stems from the 1963 Boundary Protocol signed between Nepal and China. This agreement serves as the definitive guide for managing the shared frontier. The protocol explicitly mandates that either party must inform the other before commencing any construction along the international border. Furthermore, it strictly prohibits both nations from attempting to change the course of boundary rivers.
The protocol emphasizes joint measures to prevent land loss and includes specific provisions for compensation should one party’s actions cause damage on the other side of the border due to river diversion.
Environmental Risks
The Bhote Koshi River is situated in one of the region’s most disaster-prone areas. Officials fear that any structural intervention, particularly a wall that could push the water flow toward the Nepali side, would have devastating consequences during the monsoon season. If the river’s course is shifted, it could lead to severe erosion, flooding, and infrastructure damage in Sindhupalchowk.
While Kathmandu has registered its formal reservation with Beijing, local authorities in Sindhupalchowk are still awaiting further instructions and updates on the diplomatic dialogue.
The situation remains a point of tension as Nepal insists on the strict adherence to the 1963 protocol to ensure that the natural geography of the border remains undisturbed and that the safety of its citizens is prioritized.
(With input from agency)
