Nepal could be richest South Asian country: Nitish Kumar

Bihar and Nepal should make concerted efforts to tackle recurring floods that proved disastrous for both the state and the neighbouring country, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said today.

Recurring floods have proved to be disastrous for both Bihar and Nepal, "now we have to make concerted efforts to turn the bane into boon by tackling the floods," Kumar told reporters from Nepal at his official residence.

There were several problems facing Bihar, the solutions to which were there in Nepal, he said.

Nepal could emerge as the richest country in the South Asia by setting up hydel power plants, he said adding water management could lead to better use of water for irrigation as the land in Bihar and Nepal were fertile.

He praised Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai for sparing his time to inaugurate the Global Bihar Summit here yesterday.

Kumar also had a meeting with Indian Ambassador in Nepal Jayant Prasad. During the meeting, Kumar discussed the joint issues related to Nepal and Bihar.

Earlier during the day, Kumar hosted lunch at his residence for the delegates who participated in the Global Bihar Summit.