Description

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Context:

India and Bhutan discussed bilateral projects in the fields of electricity and urban planning during the visit of King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk and Queen Jetsun Pema.

About Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project

It is a 1GW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power generating facility under construction in the Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan.

Development:

The project is being developed by the Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project Authority, under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India.

India-based Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) provided engineering and design consultancy services during the project study phase, while the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) was engaged for modeling and geotechnical engineering services.

Capacity:

1,020 MW

Site details:

The project site is spread along the Wangdue-Tsirang National Highway, downstream of the Punatsangchhu I hydroelectric power project which has been under construction since 2008.

Power Evacuation:

The electricity generated by the Punatsandchhu II hydroelectric power plant will be evacuated through a 400kV double-circuit power transmission line.

Funding:

Government of India provided 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest, repayable in 30 equated semi-annual installments commencing one year after the mean date of operation.

Run-Of-The-River Hydroelectricity

Run-of-river hydroelectricity (ROR) or run-of-the-river hydroelectricity is a type of hydroelectric generation plant whereby little or no water storage is provided.

Run-of-the-river power plants may have no water storage at all or a limited amount of storage, in which case the storage reservoir is referred to as pondage.

India-Bhutan Hydropower Cooperation

Start of Cooperation	1988 with the commissioning of the 336 MW Chukha Hydropower Plant.
Significance of Hydropower	Backbone of Bhutanese economy. Contributes over 35% of Bhutan's revenues.
Target Capacity (2020)	10,000 MW
Hydropower Projects Built in India	1. Chukha HEP (336 MW) 2. Kurichhu HEP (60 MW) 3. Tala HEP (1020 MW) 4. Mangdechhu HEP (720 MW)
Hydropower Projects Under Construction	1. Punatsangchhu-I (1200 MW) 2. Punatsangchhu-II (1020 MW) 3. Kholongchhu (600 MW)
Inter-Governmental Agreement (2014)	Signed for four projects totaling 2120 MW: Kholongchu (600 MW) Bunakha (180 MW) Wangchhu (570 MW) Chamkharchhu-I (770 MW)
Capacity Achieved by India in Bhutan	Over 2000 MW

Major Hydroelectric Projects in India

Project Name	State/UT	River	Capacity (MW)	Commissioned Year	Key Highlights
Bhakra Nangal	Himachal Pradesh	Sutlej	1325	1963	One of the largest multipurpose projects in India.
Tehri Dam	Uttarakhand	Bhagirathi	1000	2006	The tallest dam in India (260.5 meters).
Sardar Sarovar	Gujarat	Narmada	1450	2017 (full capacity)	Part of the Narmada Valley Project benefits multiple states.
Nathpa Jhakri	Himachal Pradesh	Sutlej	1500	2004	Largest hydropower plant in India.
Indira Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	Narmada	1000	2005	Known for its large water storage capacity.
Koyna Dam	Maharashtra	Koyna	1960	1964	Key contributor to Maharashtra's power supply.
Idukki Dam	Kerala	Periyar	780	1976	Arch dam, a major power supplier in Kerala.
Hirakud Dam	Odisha	Mahanadi	307.5	1957	Longest earthen dam in the world.
Baglihar Dam	Jammu & Kashmir	Chenab	900	2008	Controversial due to water-sharing issues with Pakistan.
Salal Hydroelectric	Jammu & Kashmir	Chenab	690	1987	One of the earliest large-scale projects in J&K.
Subansiri Lower	Arunachal Pradesh	Subansiri	2000 (Under Construction)	Expected by 2024	Largest hydropower project under construction in India.
Dhauliganga Project	Uttarakhand	Dhauliganga	280	2005	Built in a remote mountainous region.
Bansagar Dam	Madhya Pradesh	Son	425	2008	Multipurpose project for irrigation and power generation.

READ ABOUT INDIA-BHUTAN RELATIONS

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-bhutan-relations-16

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-bhutan-relations-15

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project:

It is a 1GW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power generating facility under construction in the Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan.
The project is being developed under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India.
India-based Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) provided engineering and design consultancy services for this project.

How many of the above-given statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project is a 1GW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power generating facility. It is located in the Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan, emphasizing its strategic importance in the regional energy landscape.

Statement 2 is correct: The project is being developed under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. This collaboration demonstrates the close bilateral relationship and the shared interest in developing Bhutan’s hydropower resources for mutual benefit.

Statement 3 is correct: Engineering and design consultancy services for the project were provided by India-based Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS). This involvement underscores the role of Indian expertise in the development of critical infrastructure projects in Bhutan.