India, Bhutan agree to strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects
Guwahati: India and Bhutan have agreed to further strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects following a high-level official meeting held in Thimphu, an official statement said on Friday.
The Indian delegation was led by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD and GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The delegation included officials from the Ministry, representatives of the Assam and West Bengal governments, and WAPCOS Ltd. The visit to Bhutan took place from February 24 to 27.
During the Secretary-level bilateral meeting held on Wednesday, the two sides reviewed ongoing collaboration on trans-boundary rivers and assessed the progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, which is being implemented in Bhutan with support from the Government of India.
India and Bhutan also examined existing mechanisms of cooperation in flood management and flood forecasting. Discussions focused on modernising and strengthening the hydro-meteorological observation network in Bhutan on rivers that flow across the border, enhancing real-time data-sharing systems for hydro-meteorological and flood forecasting information, and expanding cooperation in capacity building and technical exchanges.
The two sides deliberated on emerging challenges such as climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather events, underscoring the need for coordinated and science-based responses in shared river basins.
Following the meeting, Rao paid a courtesy call on Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Bhutan’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources. He also visited the Punatsangchhu-I project site and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, where he reviewed the progress of works with officials of PHPA-I and PHPA-II.
Additional site visits included the National Centre 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 visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation in water resources management, flood forecasting, and climate resilience across shared river systems. It reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to the sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources, with India reiterating its continued support for deepening bilateral engagement in the sector.