The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Panbang MP Dorji Wangdi raised concerns on behalf of the people of his constituency who, he said, are ecstatic and anxious about the economic and infrastructural development that will brought about once the Chamkharchu project is started.
He said that it was confirmed by the Economic Affairs minister during the previous session of the parliament that the Chamkarchu Hydro Electrict Project would be started immediately upon finalization of the modalities of the Kholonghcu Hydro Electric Project.
MP Dorji Wangdi also said that the National Assembly has accordingly, further resolved and directed that the Chamkhar project be accorded the highest priority and taken up in the first phase itself.
Therefore, he asked the Economic Affairs minister to share the status of the implementation of Chamkharchu HEP as to when is it exactly going to be started since the people of Khenrig Namsum are highly anxious about the project.
Following the question the Economic minister Norbu Wangchuk said that the 770 MW Chamkharchu project has been planned a long time ago and it is also accorded the highest priority.
He said that the ministry worked hard for the project and received support from the National Assembly and National Council to take the project forward.
According to Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk the people expected the construction works to start immediately but the agencies involved in the project are required to do other important work like paper works, detail survey of the site and other necessary studies in carrying out the project.
Lyonpo said that the all matters between the Bhutan’s representative Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and the Indian counterpart, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for Chamkharchu project has been resolved and the articles of incorporation is almost completed.
“People waited for decades and now it is confirmed that the project will start” Lyonpo said.
Lyonpo said that the intention behind the construction of Chamkharchu project and prioritizing it to be started as a phase I project is to help the people of eight gewogs from Khenrig Namsum in particular.
Lyonpo said that the environmental impact of the project was heavily discussed and the concerned agencies has studied and looked starting the project with minimal impact on human and nature.
He went on to say that few people began to doubt and tried to stop the project when all hydro projects come through appropriate planning and managment.
“Environment impact will be similair to that of other Hydro projects that happened in the country. Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk said.
Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk also said that from ministry‘s side studies are being carried out to determine the impact of hydropower for the country‘s economy and since it is deemed feasible and lucrative the project is being taken forward.
Further, he said that the government also studied on what modalities are to be followed and how the Chamkharchu project should be scheduled.
