Source: TI
Subject: International Relations
Context: An Indian delegation led by the Secretary of Water Resources, visited Bhutan to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trans-boundary rivers.
About India-Bhutan Trans-Boundary River Cooperation:
What it is?
- India and Bhutan share a unique and deep-rooted partnership centered on water diplomacy.
- This cooperation involves the joint management of river basins that flow from the Himalayas in Bhutan into the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal.
- It covers three main pillars: hydropower generation, flood management, and technical data sharing.
Major Rivers Flowing Through:
Several perennial rivers originate in the Bhutanese highlands and serve as the lifeline for both nations:
- Manas River: The largest river system of Bhutan; it meets the Brahmaputra in Assam.
- Sankosh River: Forms the border between Bhutan and India in certain stretches.
- Wang Chhu (Raidak): Supports multiple major hydropower plants.
- Amo Chhu (Torsa): Flows into West Bengal.
- Punatsangchhu (Sankosh tributary): Currently the site of massive joint infrastructure development.
Major Projects:
The Hydro-diplomacy between the two nations has resulted in several iconic projects:
- Punatsangchhu-I & II: Massive 1,200 MW and 1,020 MW projects (respectively) being implemented with Indian assistance.
- Chukha Hydropower Project: The first major project (336 MW), which became a gold standard for bilateral cooperation.
- Kuri Chhu & Tala Projects: Essential contributors to Bhutan’s export revenue and India’s power grid.
- Mangdechhu: A 720 MW project recently handed over to Bhutan, known for its high efficiency.
Key Features of the Partnership:
- Hydro-Meteorological Network: India supports a network of observation stations in Bhutan to provide real-time data on water levels.
- Flood Forecasting: Joint mechanisms to provide early warnings to downstream Indian states (Assam and West Bengal) during the monsoon.
- GLOF Monitoring: Enhanced focus on monitoring melting glaciers to prevent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods that threaten both nations.
- Capacity Building: Indian agencies like WAPCOS Ltd. provide technical expertise and training to Bhutanese engineers.
Significance:
- Hydropower is the largest contributor to Bhutan’s GDP and its biggest export to India.
- Provides India with clean, renewable firm power to balance its national grid.
