First Indo-Bhutan joint venture hydroelectric project agreement signed

The first Indo-Bhutan joint venture hydroelectric project agreement has signed on 29 June 2020 in the virtual presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji. It paving the way for the commencement of its construction and other related works. The concession agreement for the 600 MW Kholongchhu project between the Bhutanese government and the Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

The 600 MW run-of-the-river project is located on the lower course of the Kholongchhu River in Trashiyangtse District in Eastern Bhutan.

The hydropower sector is the flagship area of India-Bhutan bilateral cooperation.

The Project envisages an underground powerhouse of four 150 MW turbines with water impounded by a concrete gravity dam of 95 meters height.

It will be implemented by Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited, a Joint Venture company formed between Druk Green Power Corporation of Bhutan and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited of India.

This is the first Joint Venture Hydroelectric Project between India and Bhutan. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

The India-Bhutan special ties have not only benefited the two nations, but have also set an example for the whole world of two neighbours, living and working together for shared growth and welfare bound by a deep friendship.

As a special and privileged partner, India stands together with Bhutan in dealing with the health and economic challenges posed by this pandemic.