WP 5 Analysis of present IWRM practices - Brahmatwinn

Another very important point is that the Policy recognizes the importance of addressing water
management in a more holistic and integrated manner, and with the involvement of all stakeholders
at all levels.
Besides the widely accepted lack of human resources at dzongkhag and geog level, another problem
is the shortage of water storage facilities. Campaigns and low level interest loans need to be
undertaken to increase storage at household, community and urban level to ensure that sufficient
water is available in future water short periods. Conflicts over water have been quite common in the
past, and have occasionally been taken to court. In addition, especially in rural areas, the traditional
systems of sharing water have often been inequitable, basing the sharing of water on such principles
as “first there, first served” and “first in the queue is nearer the source”. In a rapidly developing
nation with an increasingly mobile population, this issue needs to be addressed. The risk of conflict
has been reduced by a clear presentation of priorities in the national water policy, and it is important
that this is reiterated further in the final Water Act.
Future problems which can be foreseen
• Urban areas will continue to expand for the foreseeable future, and the demand for water will
simultaneously increase.
• In rural areas, and the smaller towns, aspirations are also increasing and this will also increase
demand for water.
• The number of tourists to Bhutan is likely to increase and this will add further strain to water
supply systems, especially in the dry late winter and pre-monsoon season, when demand is high
from farmers and the hydropower sector. This may also result in the drying up of springs during
this period.
• There is thus a clear need for a concerted campaign to encourage water conservation and storage
at all levels in both urban and rural situations.
In all the above aspects, knowledge and preparation is the key, and great efforts are needed in
provision of public awareness campaigns, training and education at all levels, including schools,
community groups, and government staff. National Environment Commission and Department of
Management Development will bear much of the burden for this, though assistance from all
concerned Ministries and departments is vital. Behind the campaigns will be the basic premise that a
proper value must be placed on the supply of water, and that, unlike in the past, it may not always be
free and plentiful. In addition, proper charges for water must deter waste, and ensure a sustainable
future supply, and a system of PES established so that, for example, individuals, schools, adult
literacy groups and communities, undertaking good works which will conserve water and the
environment, are compensated for their efforts and encouraged to undertake further such tasks.
Need for IWRM
Recognizing that water is a finite resource, that competition for water is increasing in Bhutan, and
that climate change may have adverse effects on future water availability, some form of IWRM
system can help the nation in managing its water resources to the benefit of all, in the following
ways:
a) to dissolve the fragmented management of water resources in Bhutan, and build links and
bridges between all the sectors using water and currently responsible for its distribution,
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