India and Bhutan have agreed to further strengthen collaboration on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects during a high-level official meeting in Thimphu. The discussions aimed to review ongoing activities of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project and explore additional avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The Indian delegation was led by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. It included officials from the ministry, representatives from the governments of Assam and West Bengal, and executives from WAPCOS Ltd. The visit took place from February 24-27.
During the Secretary-level bilateral meeting, both sides assessed existing mechanisms for cooperation in flood management and flood forecasting. The discussions emphasized modernizing Bhutan’s hydro-meteorological observation network, improving the sharing of flood and river data, enhancing technical exchanges, and building capacity to address climate-related challenges. These challenges include glacial lake outburst floods, extreme weather events, and broader impacts of climate change on shared river basins.
Following the meeting, Secretary Rao met Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Bhutan’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources. He also visited the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project under construction and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. Meetings with officials from both projects provided an opportunity to review progress and ensure alignment with joint objectives.
Other site visits included the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology in Thimphu, the 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang, and the NCHM flood monitoring station near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. These visits focused on understanding Bhutan’s hydrology and flood management capabilities while exploring opportunities for further collaboration.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of India and Bhutan to sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources. Secretary Rao highlighted India’s continued support for strengthening water resource management, enhancing flood forecasting systems, and building climate resilience in shared river basins, ensuring long-term cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
