COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

Exports and ImportsExports and Imports
Energy Sector
20.11 In 1988, total energy imports were valued at Nu 112.4 m: 6% of the value of all merchandise imports. Coal
is both exported and imported. In 1988, coal imports from India amounted to about 18,000 MT and in the same
year, the quantity of coal exported to Bangladesh was 19,000 MT. A total of 5,000 MT of coke was imported in
1988. Electricity is both imported and exported between Bhutan and India. Electricity is exported from Chhukha
Hydel Corporation in Western Bhutan to India. Electricity exports to India were estimated at Nu 41.96 m in 1986,
Nu 275.88 m in 1987 and Nu 337.3 m in 1988. Electricity is imported in Bhutan's border towns of Geylegphug in
Central Bhutan and Samdrup Jongkhar in Eastern Bhutan. The value of electricity import was Nu 34.69 m in 1986,
Nu 14.23 m in 1987 and Nu 1.55 m in 1988.
C. InstitutionsC. Institutions
Electricity SectorElectricity Sector
20.12 The Department of Power is responsible for the provision of the necessary infrastructure, staff and
maintenance capacity for power generation, transmission and distribution. As of December 1990, the Department
of Power employed 574 people, being one of the five largest Departments in terms of staffing strength. The
Department of Power has, among others, the following divisions: Planning Division, Project Division, Operation
and Maintenance Division and Chukka Hydel Corporation. The Chukka Hydel Corporation is managed as a
separate entity by a Board of Directors.
FuelwoodFuelwood
20.13 Most fuelwood, particularly in remote areas is collected by users with payment to the Forestry Department
under the Ministry of Agriculture. In theory, licences are required for the collection of fuelwood from the local
Forest Officers and Rangers, if the firewood is not dead wood. Felling trees for firewood is strictly controlled by
the forestry officials who are found in every gewog.
Petroleum ProductsPetroleum Products
20.14 A private company operates the supply of petroleum products throughout the country. The Company
operates 18 fuel depots, one in each dzong. In addition, 3 large, Government funded fuel depots are being
constructed in Dechenchholing near Thimphu for Western Bhutan, Deothang for Eastern Bhutan and Sarbhang for
Central Bhutan.
D. ConstraintsD. Constraints
20.15 Each of the subsectors in the energy sector face different constraints. However, as in many other sectors,
they face common problems: a scattered population, rugged terrain, poor communications and manpower
shortages. In the hydro-power sector, the main constraints are an insufficient number of technical personnel, high
costs of casual labour and lack of finance. Because of the rough terrain and scattered population, the per capita cost
of transmission and distribution of electricity is extremely high.
20.16 In general, there is an adequate supply of fuelwood at a reasonably small distance from most settlements.
But there are a number of settlements where forests have been cleared to allow for expansion of cultivation. In
these areas, firewood collection involves significantly more time and effort.
II. Review of Past PerformanceII. Review of Past Performance
A. Objectives in the 6FYPA. Objectives in the 6FYP
20.17 The objectives in the 6FYP were to:
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