India and Bhutan locked in a forward-looking pact during Thimphu consultations to ramp up synergy on boundary-spanning rivers and key hydropower ventures. V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary at the Department of Water Resources, guided the Indian contingent—including Jal Shakti officials, reps from Assam and West Bengal, and WAPCOS—from February 24 to 27.
Core deliberations covered Punatsangchhu-I’s development status and refined flood management protocols. Both sides committed to overhauling observation infrastructure, optimizing hydro-meteorological data exchanges, and amplifying skill-sharing amid climate threats like GLOFs and storms.
Rao extended courtesies to Minister Lyonpo Gem Tshering before touring vital sites: ongoing Punatsangchhu-I, fresh Punatsangchhu-II, Thimphu’s NCHM, Chamgang’s advanced water treatment unit, and a flood outpost near Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Centered on shared basins, the visit amplifies water resource oversight, predictive analytics, and adaptive strategies. It echoes India’s steadfast backing, charting a course for sustainable, gainful transboundary water use that safeguards communities and powers economic growth.