New Delhi, Feb 07: India and Bhutan have agreed to further strengthen cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects during a high-level meeting in Thimphu.
The Indian delegation was led by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and included officials from Assam, West Bengal and WAPCOS Ltd.. Discussions focused on flood management, flood forecasting and the progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, being developed in partnership with the Government of India.
Both sides reviewed mechanisms for data sharing on hydro-meteorological observations and explored ways to modernise monitoring systems, strengthen capacity building and address climate change challenges, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The Secretary also visited the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project and met Bhutan’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Lyonpo Gem Tshering.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Bhutan to sustainable and mutually beneficial management of trans-boundary water resources.
