India and Bhutan Strengthen Ties on Water Resource Management
Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, recently led an Indian delegation to Bhutan from February 24 to 27, 2026. This visit aimed to enhance collaboration on trans-boundary rivers and review the ongoing Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, developed in partnership with the Government of India.
During a pivotal bilateral meeting held on February 25, both nations discussed existing cooperation frameworks surrounding flood management and forecasting. The discussions highlighted the importance of modernizing Bhutan’s hydro-meteorological observation network related to trans-border rivers, improving mechanisms for data sharing, and addressing challenges induced by climate change, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and extreme weather conditions.
Strengthening Partnerships for Future Challenges
The meeting was not only focused on immediate concerns but also aimed at laying the groundwork for long-term strategies in water resource management. The Secretary emphasized the necessity for technical exchanges and capacity-building collaborations to better tackle emerging obstacles and enhance bilateral relations in flood forecasting.
A courtesy call followed the meeting with His Excellency Lyonpo Gem Tshering, the Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, underscoring their mutual commitment to sustainable water management.
On-Site Evaluations of Hydroelectric Projects
On February 26, Secretary Rao inspected the construction site of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project as well as the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II project. He engaged in discussions with officials from the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA) regarding the current status and challenges of these significant projects.
Rao also visited several key facilities including the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Thimphu, a water treatment plant in Chamgang, and a flood monitoring station situated near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. These visits were pivotal in assessing the practical implications of the bilateral agreements and ongoing projects.
Commitment to Sustainable Management
The visit reiterated both countries’ joint commitment to managing shared water resources sustainably. Secretary Rao communicated India’s unwavering support for advancing cooperation in water management, emphasizing the shared interests in ensuring climate resilience and improving flood forecasting capabilities in their jointly-managed river basins.
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