The 600MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project will not affect the Dzongkhag’s sacred sites, says the Economic Affairs Minister.
Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk visited the Khologhchu Hydropower Project sites on Sunday.
Impacts on sacred sites
Some of the key components of 600MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project like the powerhouse will be constructed near some of the sacred sites in Trashi Yangtse. Despite bringing socio-economic benefits, the locals are worried of their sacred sites being affected.
Speaking to BBS, the Economic Affairs Minister said the government would do everything to protect the sacred sites and restore if the sacred sites are affected.
Employment Opportunities
Responding to the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu’s discussion on the employment opportunities, Lyonpo said employment opportunities must be spread across the nation, since it is a national project.
Lyonpo said the government would be abided by the national norms and polices and it will be transparent.
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The Dzongkag Tshogdu recently discussed if their youth can be given priority in the project’s employment opportunities.
House rents
Lyonpo also said that the government is equally concerned about the soaring house rents in the Dzongkhag due to the upcoming project.
Lyonpo added that the Ministry is in constant touch with the Dzongkhag and is exploring ways to address the issue.
Socio-economic benefits
Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag is expected to derive huge socio-economic benefits from the upcoming hydropower project.
Major works like road widening works has already started. The upcoming Khitsang town in Doksum is also expected to become a booming town with the start of the project. Currently, Trashi Yangtse is one of the remote dzongkhags in the east and has seen little development.
The 600WM Kholongchhu Hydropower Project will be one of the biggest hydropower projects in the eastern Dzongkhag.
