The construction of Chamkharchhu hydropower project will begin but only after the Kholongchhu hydropower project is complete. The economic affairs minister revealed this as he responded to a question on the status of Chamkhachhu project.
This is not the first time the government faced questions on it in the National Assembly. Raising the issue in today’s Question Hour session again, Panbang MP said people of Zhemgang have waited long. He asked whether the project would be started within the 2017-2018 financial year as stated in the latest budget report.
In response, the economic affairs minister said a committee has been formed to study various factors before commencing the works. He said there are five hydropower projects under construction at the moment for which a huge loan has been taken. There is also the concern of limited rupee reserve.
The market also has to be studied. “India is restarting the projects that were shut down. At the same time, they are also promoting solar energy,” added the minister.
The 770 megawatt Chamkharchhu hydropower project is to be a joint venture between Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation and India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
