𝐂𝐡𝐡𝐮𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐮 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐨-𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

Chhukha dzongkhag and affected local communities have expressed strong and unanimous support for the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydropower Project, reaffirming Bhutan’s commitment to renewable energy expansion and long-term energy security. The endorsement came during a public consultation held on January 12 in Jigmechhu, where communities from Bongo and Darla Gewogs in Chhukha and Lhamoizingkha Gewog in Dagana voiced their collective backing for the nationally significant project.

The Wangchhu project is a key component of Bhutan’s Renewable Energy Roadmap, which aims to achieve 25,000 MW of installed generation capacity by 2040. It is expected to further strengthen the already robust energy partnership between Bhutan and India. As the first project under the strategic collaboration between Druk Green Power Corporation and the Adani Group, the project represents a major milestone in Bhutan’s hydropower development journey.
Beyond its national importance, the project is anticipated to deliver wide-ranging socio-economic benefits at the local level, including employment opportunities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced economic activities for communities living in its vicinity. These developments are expected to set the foundation for community-centred and sustainable growth in the region.

Rinchen Dorji, Gup of Darla Gewog, said, “It is very important to discuss and share the impact of the Wangchhu Hydropower Project, not just for the immediate period but also in the long run, both for the community and for the government. I can see that this project will open up many opportunities for the people living nearby. Local farmers will have the chance to sell their produce directly at the project sites, which will help increase their income. At the same time, young people in our community can find jobs, whether in offices or on the construction sites, according to their skills and abilities. Overall, I believe this project can really help uplift the socio-economic condition of our communities if implemented carefully and inclusively.”

He emphasized that the Wangchhu project could serve as a catalyst for local development, creating avenues for income generation, business activities, and employment. He noted the importance of ensuring that the project strictly adheres to environmental guidelines and regulations. He also highlighted that, while development is critical, careful attention must be given to the welfare of local communities, so that the benefits of the project are shared fairly and sustainably.

He added, “Since the project must follow all environmental guidelines and regulations, I have no concerns regarding its ecological impact. At the same time, I am confident that the authorities will carefully look into all aspects of community welfare, ensuring that local people are engaged, supported, and benefit from this important initiative. This kind of community-centered development is exactly what our people need, and I believe it will bring lasting positive changes to our area.”

Tshering Penjor, Gup of Bongo Gewog, shared, “It is our responsibility to support the Wangchhu Hydropower Project, as it will truly bring benefits to the people. One immediate advantage will be the repair and improvement of farm roads, which are crucial for our daily lives and local trade. In my Gewog, the village of Baeyul Kunzang is particularly affected because it is far from the town. With this project, the roads will be connected and upgraded, making travel much easier and safer for our residents. This kind of infrastructure improvement will have a long-lasting impact on the community.”

The Gup highlighted the broader socio-economic opportunities that the project could create for Bongo Gewog. He pointed out that the presence of a vegetable market at the project site would allow local farmers to sell their produce more easily, while the project itself would provide employment opportunities for youths and other residents. He also noted the project’s adherence to environmental guidelines, expressing hope that proper planning and management would prevent any negative impacts on the Gewog in the future.

He added, “For the local residents, there are numerous benefits, from easier access to markets and trade to job opportunities in construction and administration, depending on people’s skills. We also trust that the project coordinators will follow all environmental guidelines carefully, ensuring that the Gewog’s natural surroundings are preserved. Overall, we see this project as a major step forward for community development and long-term welfare in our area.”

Kinzang Dema from Lhamoizingkha Gewog shared, “For our gewog, this project represents progress that we have been waiting for. Many of our youths have to look elsewhere for work, and with the Wangchhu Hydropower Project, we see hope that employment and skills development can happen closer to home, allowing families to stay together and communities to grow stronger.”

She said the public consultation provided an important platform for communities to voice their views and understand the project in detail. According to her, the discussions helped build trust and confidence among local residents, as concerns related to livelihoods, land, and long-term impacts were addressed. She noted that such engagement is crucial to ensure that development projects move forward with the support and participation of the people most affected by them.

She added, “What matters to us is that development is carried out responsibly and with respect for local communities. If the project is implemented with transparency and fairness, it can bring lasting benefits, not just in terms of energy production, but also in improving the overall quality of life for people living in Lhamoizingkha and the surrounding areas.”

Pema Wangchuk, a resident of Bongo Gewog, said, “We are very happy to see the Wangchhu Hydropower Project moving forward. For communities like ours, this project brings hope for employment opportunities, especially for young people who often have to leave home in search of work. Along with jobs, we also expect improvements in basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity supply and other essential services, which will make daily life easier and more secure for our people.”

He said the project is not only important for the local communities but also holds national significance, as it aligns with Bhutan’s long-term vision for renewable energy development. According to him, the Wangchhu Hydropower Project will contribute to strengthening Bhutan’s energy security, enhance cooperation with India, and support the country’s target of achieving 25,000 MW of installed generation capacity by 2040. He added that communities from Bongo, Darla, and Lhamoizingkha Gewogs have shown strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to deliver socio-economic benefits while following a sustainable and responsible development approach.

He added, “We feel proud to be associated with a project that reflects Bhutan’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability. It is reassuring to know that community concerns have been taken into account and that the long-term well-being of local residents is being considered. As beneficiaries of this development, we are ready to cooperate and support the project so that it brings lasting growth and prosperity to our region.”