Ongoing cooperation between India and
Bhutan in the hydropower sector is covered under the 2006 agreement on
cooperation in Hydropower between the two countries and the Protocol to the
2006 agreement signed in March, 2009 thereof.
Under the Protocol, Government of India has agreed to develop 10,000 MWs
of hydropower in Bhutan for export of surplus power to India by 2020.
Implementation Agreement has been
signed for construction of following projects between India and Bhutan:
|
Sl. No.
|
Name of the Project
|
Installed Capacity (MW)
|
Total Cost Rs. (Crores)
|
Funding Pattern
|
|
Loan
|
Grant
|
|
1.
|
Punatsangchhu HE Project Stage-I
|
1200
|
3514.81
|
2108.88
(60%)
|
1405.92 (40%)
|
|
2.
|
Punatsangchhu HE Project Stage-II
|
990
|
3777.80
|
2644.46 (70%)
|
1133.34 (30%)
|
|
3.
|
Mangdechu HE Project
|
720
|
2896.30
|
2027.41 (70%)
|
868.89 (30%)
|
Following
hydro-electric projects have been developed and are in operation under
Indo-Bhutan Cooperation:
|
Sl. No.
|
Name of the project
|
Installed capacity
(MW)
|
Total Cost
(Rs.Crores)
|
Funding pattern
(Rs.Crores)
|
|
Loan
|
Grant
|
|
1
|
Chukha H.E. Project
|
336
|
246.00
|
98.40 (40%
)
|
147.60 (60%)
|
|
2
|
Kurichu H.E. Project
|
60
|
555.00
|
222.00 (40% )
|
333.00 (60%)
|
|
3
|
Tala H.E. Project
|
1020
|
4125.85
|
1650.34 (40% )
|
2475.51 (60%)
|
All the existing hydropower schemes in
Bhutan are run-of-the-river (RoR) types which has no
impact on the quantum of flow downstream of the hydropower dam. The river water
is primarily used for generation of hydro electricity which is non –
consumptive in nature. The diversion structures in the hydropower projects have
only a minimal storage capacity for diurnal peaking purpose.
The Government of Bhutan and The
Government of India have since 1960s established an effective flood information
sharing system whereby Bhutan notifies Assam at regular intervals over HP Radio
sets on the water levels in Bhutan. Regular meeting of India – Bhutan Joint
Group of Experts (JGE) on flood management also takes place to discuss/assess
the probable causes and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and the
adjoining plain in India and to suggest appropriate measures.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Power Shri K.C.Venugopal in a written reply
to a question in Lok Sabha
today.
MA/VN