Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, in his maiden visit to the eastern region since assuming office, informed civil servants and local leaders of Lhuentse today that the detailed project report for the Dorjilung Hydropower Project will be completed soon. Similarly, he announced to the business community in Trashi Yangtse’s Doksum town that work on the 600-megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project will resume soon.
After commissioning, the 1125-megawatt Dorjilung Hydropower Project in Lhuentse is expected to generate over 4,500 million units of electricity annually.
As for the Kholongchu Hydropower Project, the prime minister informed the Doksum business community that during his recent state visit to India, he had a fruitful conversation with the chairman of Tata Sons regarding their involvement in the project.
“Now, it will be Tata Sons who will be investing. I have met with Tata Sons Chairman, Mr. Chandrasekaran, and the meeting was fruitful. Since we discussed with the Government of India and received their support, he expressed readiness to proceed. We have requested him to visit here this month.”
The Kholongchu Hydropower Project was shut down midway through 2022 due to unsatisfactory outcomes in the joint venture between SJVN India and the Druk Green Power Corporation, which began in 2015.
The project is expected to generate an annual revenue of over two and a half billion ngultrum. The prime minister informed the gathering yesterday that resuming the project would help resolve existing issues in the town.
During the meeting, the prime minister briefed on the activities and budget of the 13th Five-Year Plan and emphasised its potential for the country’s economic progress.
He also addressed issues raised by the business community, reaffirming the government’s commitment to resolving them. Similar meetings were held in Trashigang with district officials, local government leaders, and the business community.
The prime minister instructed the dzongdags of Trashigang and Trashi Yangtse to develop plans to boost tourism in their districts.
They were tasked with setting concrete annual targets for tourist arrivals, developing innovative products and activities in consultation with tour operators, and seeking government support where necessary.
Continuing his two-day visit to the east, the prime minister met with officials and business communities in the Lhuentse and Monggar districts today.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
