There is finally some development on one of the country’s biggest hydropower projects, the Kuri-Gongri Hydro-Electric Project. WAPCOS Ltd, an Indian consultancy has finalized the Detailed Project Report, DPR for the hydroelectric project. The Department of Energy and the Indian Consultancy conducted the public consultation for the last two days in Pema Gatshel. The DPR will now be submitted to the government for approval.
WAPCOS Ltd has been carrying out the feasibility study since 2017 and has compiled the Detailed Project Report spending around Nu 400 M.
The study revealed that the Kuri-Gongri Hydro-Electric Project has the potential to generate 2800 MW of hydroelectric power, although it was initially said to have the capacity to generate 2640 MW of electricity.
The project site has been identified near the confluence of Kuri Chhu and Gongri Chhu in Monggar.
The project is expected to bring economic development for the locals in the area and the country at large. However, the report shows that people in 10 gewogs of Monggar, Pema Gatshel and Trashigang will be affected once the project starts. A few of them will be required to relocate while some will lose their farmland to the project.
Talking to the affected people and local leaders of Pema Gatshel and Monggar, the Officiating Director of the Department of Energy said the consultation meeting was to clarify and to get consent from the people so that the construction of the hydropower project goes smoothly without hindrance.
“Although the DPR is complete, we are going to take note of all the concerns and issues you have raised here today. We will make sure these concerns and issues reach the government. They will look into it and make the decisions accordingly,” said Ugyen, the Offtg. Director of the Department of Energy.
The project is expected to be completed within 10 years after commencement and it is expected to cost over Nu 306bn.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
