The Chief Advisor to the Interim Government and Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, inaugurated the river diversion of the 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydro Power Project, today.
The ceremony was attended by the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, V.P Haran, Special Secretary and Financial Advisor, Bimal Jukla, and the Joint Secretary, North of Ministry of External Affairs, Akhilesh Mishra.
In his address to the gathering, the Chief Advisor commended A.K Mishra, the Managing Director of MHPA and his able team and workers for achieving the important feat of river diversion and for setting the stage for the construction of dam.
Lyonpo informed the gathering that the Government is pleased to know that Ranjan Mathai, the Foreign Secretary of India, during his visit to Thimphu, reiterated the assurance of continued support of the Government of India.
“This will not only strengthen Bhutan’s economy and help drive the country towards economic self-reliance, but will also enhance the energy security of the two countries whose destinies are inextricably linked,” Lyonpo said.
He also said the diversion of the Mangdechhu just before the onset of the monsoon is timely. “It is gratifying to note that the project has minimal negative impact on the people of Trongsa and on its environment,” he said.