Water levels in these countries are directly related to the flood situation in our country and hence, the ministry took the decision to have a tie-up with these countries, he said.
The ministry through its Central Water Commission (CWC) has set up forecast stations in the different tributaries, including of the Brahmaputra, parts of the border with China and other neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Bhutan, Pala said.
Chinese authorities are passing on vital information on water levels of five rivers, including Tsangpo converging with the Brahmaputra in the North-East, as part of the imitative to mitigate floods caused by the Brahmaputra.
"Around Rs 87 lakh was paid to China in a year, while another Rs 14 lakh was paid later to provide us with the information on the water-level of Brahmaputra," he said.
Besides, India has also entered into an understanding with other countries, including Bhutan and Pakistan for similar activities, the Minister added.
The Brahmaputra has more than 52 main tributaries. (More)