India and Bhutan held discussions on cooperation in trans-boundary river management and hydropower development during an official visit by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 24 to 27 February 2026. The Indian delegation included officials from DoWR, RD & GR, representatives from the Governments of Assam and West Bengal, and WAPCOS Ltd.
A Secretary-level bilateral meeting was held on 25 February 2026 to review existing cooperation mechanisms in flood management and flood forecasting between the two countries. The discussions focused on strengthening and modernising Bhutan’s hydro-meteorological observation network on rivers that flow into India. Both sides examined measures to improve real-time data sharing relating to rainfall, river discharge, and flood forecasting for trans-border rivers.
The two delegations also deliberated on enhancing technical exchanges and capacity-building initiatives. Emphasis was placed on addressing emerging risks linked to climate change, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and extreme weather events, particularly in Himalayan river basins that affect downstream regions in India.
Following the meeting, the Secretary paid a courtesy call on H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan. The interaction reviewed ongoing collaboration in the water resources and hydropower sectors.
On 26 February 2026, the Secretary visited the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, which is under construction, and the commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. He reviewed project implementation and progress in meetings with officials of the Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA-I and PHPA-II).
The delegation also visited the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Thimphu, the 3.5 MLD water treatment plant at Chamgang, and an NCHM flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
The four-day visit was aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation in water resources management, improving flood forecasting systems, and enhancing climate resilience in shared river basins.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources, with India reiterating its continued support for collaborative initiatives in Bhutan. |
