River

There were some press reports in Assam during 2007 that the Hydropower Projects in Bhutan are causing floods in the region. Subsequently, Government of Assam also raised the concern on the issue. Accordingly, the issue was discussed with the concerned Bhutanese authorities during the 2nd meeting of Joint Group of Experts on Flood Management between India and Bhutan. Following such discussions, it has been found that the Hydropower Projects in Bhutan are not directly responsible for the floods/ erosion in Assam.

In July 2006, an agreement was signed between Government of India and Royal Government of Bhutan on cooperation in Hydropower sector by which Government of India (GoI) agreed to import 5000 MW of hydropower from Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) by 2020. During the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Bhutan in May 2008, this target was subsequently revised to 10,000 MW. In July 2007, India and Bhutan signed an agreement to implement the 1095 MW Punatsangchu-1 Hydroelectric Project. Earlier in 1994, an Inter- Government Agreement between GoI and RGoB was signed on the Tala and Kurichu Hydroelectric Projects for loan repayment and tariff fixation. Protocols to the Inter- Government Agreement on the Tala and Kurichu Hydroelectric Projects respectively, were signed in 2008.

In order to formulate the flood forecasts on transboarder rivers originating from Bhutan, a scheme titled "Comprehensive Scheme for Establishment of Hydro-meteorological and Flood Forecasting Network on rivers common to India and Bhutan" is in operation. The network consists of 35 hydro-meteorological/ meteorological stations located in Bhutan and is being maintained by the Royal Government of Bhutan with funding from India. The data received from these stations are utilized in India by the Central Water Commission for formulating flood forecasts. A Joint Expert Team (JET) consisting of officials from the Government of India and Royal Government of Bhutan continuously reviews the progress and other requirements of the scheme.

The matter relating to the problem of floods caused by the rivers originating from Bhutan and coming to India are discussed in a Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on Flood Management constituted between India and Bhutan to discuss and assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and recommend to both Governments appropriate and mutually acceptable remedial measures. Two meetings of JGE have been held between India and Bhutan so far.

Further, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)has informed that they have currently taken up 10 number of schemes with a total estimated cost of Rs.97.42 crores to protect Bodoland area from flood and erosion.

The major rivers entering into India from Bhutan are Sankosh, Manas, Jaldhaka, Torsa, Wangchu , Gaurang, Pagladiya, Beki and Dhansiri.

The names of the rivers alongwith the power plants that have been set up through Government of India's cooperation are as below:

River Hydroelectric Project

Wangchu. i) Chukha Hydro-electric project

ii) Tala Hydro-electric project

Kurichu Kurichhu Hydro-electric project

(Tributary of river Manas)

Punatsangchhu Punatsangchhu-I (Under Construction)

(Tributary of river Sonkosh)

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

SK/BS