A Secretary-level meeting between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India (GoI), was held on 25 February 2026 in Thimphu.
The RGoB delegation was led by Mr. Karma Tshering, Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR). The GoI delegation was led by Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The meeting reviewed the existing bilateral mechanisms in the areas of hydromet observation, flood forecasting, and flood management between Bhutan and India.
The meeting agreed to strengthen and modernize the flood warning networks to enhance early warning services for Bhutan and downstream communities, thereby promoting climate and disaster resilience.
Mr. Karma Tshering reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment to continue sharing rainfall and hydrological data required for flood forecasting and warning in the Indian States of Assam and West Bengal. He expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of India for the longstanding support in strengthening Bhutan’s hydromet sector, which began as early as 1955.
The meeting reaffirmed enhancing bilateral cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including hydromet observation and flood management.
The GoI delegation visited the 3.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Chamgang, Thimphu, and the Changyuel-Ritsa Solar Lift Irrigation Scheme in Punakha implemented under GoI funding. The delegation also visited the Punatsangchhu Hydropower Projects – I and II and the GLOF Early Warning System Control Room facilities operated by the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology at Wangdi.
The meeting was held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.
