The 11th meeting of the Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on flood management between Bhutan and India was held in Paro, Bhutan during 14 -15 May 2025. The RGoB delegation was led by Mr. Karma Dupchu, Director, National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM). The Government of India (GoI) delegation was led by Mr. S.K. Sinha, Team Leader, Commissioner (B&B), Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The meeting discussed common issues of flooding, reviewed remedial measures implemented to mitigate flooding in vulnerable areas in the southern foothills and adjoining plains.
The JGE for Flood Management between Bhutan and India was constituted in 2024. The bilateral meeting is held once in a year alternately in Bhutan and India as per the approved Term of Reference: To assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosions in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and recommend to both governments, appropriate and mutually acceptable remedial measures.
The meeting discussed and reviewed follow-up action taken in the 10th JGE meeting held in New Delhi 28-29 February 2025 and the report of 8th Joint Technical Team (JTT) meeting held during 18-20 November 2025 at Chalsa, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India and recommendations made therein and other issues between the two sides.
The meeting was held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.
The next JGE meeting will be held in India.
Issued by:
National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), 16 May 2025, Thimphu.
