WP 5 Analysis of present IWRM practices - Brahmatwinn

Sarpang and Gelephu were later electrified in the years 1969 to 1973 with electricity imported from
the Assam State Electricity Board of India.
Between 1972 to 1976, several mini hydroelectric plants were constructed through grant assistance
from the Government of India at Trashigang, Wangduephodrang, Gidakom and Mongar. The
construction of the Chukha Hydroelectric plant started in 1978, which was built with assistance from
the Government of India. In 1988, it was fully commissioned generating 336 MW. This was a major
milestone in the sustainable development of the hydroelectric sector for economic development.
This led to an increase in the availability of power in the western regions of Bhutan as well as
increased the government’s gross revenue from the sale of surplus power to India.
During the period between 1986 to 1987, ten micro hydroelectric plants, ranging in size from 20 kW
to 70 kW, were commissioned with Japanese assistance. During 1987 to 1988, two mini hydroelectric
plants at Khaling (0.4 MW) and Chumey (1 MW) were commissioned with assistance from the
Government of India. During 1991 to 1993, three micro hydroelectric plants of 200 kW each were
commissioned in Tsirang, Dagana and Zhemgang with Japanese grant assistance. As per Power
System Master Plan study that was updated in 2002, the country’s total hydropower potential has
been stated as 30,000 MW, of which about 23,760 MW from 76 sites (which are above 10 MW
capacity) has been identified as techno-economically feasible for development. However, the total
hydropower developed as of April 2006 is only 468.698 MW which is mere 1.56 % of the total
potential. Even with the full commissioning of 1020 MW Tala hydroelectric project, the total
hydropower that would have been developed would remain about 1488.698 MW, about 4.96 % of
the total potential. Therefore, there is lot to be still done to accelerate the development of
hydropower potentials of the kingdom. The peak power demand and energy requirement of Bhutan
during the year 2004-05 was recorded at 120 MW and 753 Million Units (MU) respectively. In 2007,
the Druk Green Power Corporation was formed as an over-riding authority for the hydropower sector
in Bhutan. To date, three of the four major power generation plants fall under this umbrella
Corporation. The Tala Hydro-Power Authority is expected to join the Corporation in the near future.
GCC adaption strategies in Bhutan
There is no perceived pollution in Paro and the general perception is that there is sufficient water.
However, work undertaken by school children as part of the WWMP-RSPN environmental education
program identified E.Coli as a serious problem in a number of streams close by to schools, all of these
related to either open defecation or pit latrines being placed too close to the stream.
In terms of water supply, a number of springs have dried up in recent years in the Paro valley, and
some view this as a result of the general lowering of the water table due to increased extraction for
building purposes and a growing population with increased aspirations. Certainly, many new
buildings, for offices and hotels as well as private residences, have been constructed in the last
decade. Another factor that may be having an impact on water use for construction and individual
consumption is the increased number of hotels and tourists especially in Paro and Thimphu valleys.
The daily consumption of water by a western visitor is estimated to be at least 4 times that of a
national resident, through the need/desire for showers, baths, and laundry services.
There are no current estimates of groundwater resources or its quality, which are assumed to be in a
sound and stable condition. Only in Phuentsholing are significant amounts of ground water extracted
to provide water to the urban area, and no reports exist as to these sources being stressed.
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