The Chief Research Officer of Monash Sustainability Institute, Dr. Paul MCshane, said dams could cost Bhutan’s environment dearly even though there are economic benefits. He was speaking at the two-day workshop on developing regional collaboration in river basin in management, in response to climate change.
He said Bhutan has embarked on ambitious programme of hydropower development. “…There will be accumulation of water because of the dam and that could deny less to downstream areas so they could suffer as a result of those dams.” Dr. Paul MCshane said they are trying to encourage policy, which is more equitable, in terms of sharing of those water resources.
Dr.Paul MCshane also said there is a need to have a cooperative environmental collaboration among Bhutan and India for the well-being of both the countries.
The collaborative workshop ended today in the capital. It involved delegates from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
The workshop is aimed at developing regional collaboration in South Asian river management based on identification of mutual benefits.
