As the fate of the Kholongchhu Hydropower Project in Trashi Yangtse remains uncertain, people there are worried about their economic prosperity. The execution works of the 600-megawatt hydropower venture began in 2015.
Located in Tongmajangsa Gewog, the project site wears a deserted look now. BBS Trashigang correspondent says the project authority has completely ceased works at the site.
This has dashed the hopes of the people to reap the economic benefits of the hydropower project.
Some houses in Doksum town are vacant since about 12 project employees, who rented them have left the site.
More are expected to follow suit in the coming days, inviting undesired economic troubles for the businesses.
“Project officials are leaving the site. Some shopkeepers, who rented the spaces, have also left since they cannot afford to pay rent. I am also confused about whether to close the business or shift to some other places,” said a businessman based in Doksum town, Yeshi Cheki.
Some others, who constructed 40 houses in Khamdang Gewog, also found themselves in a similar quandary.
“Now the project’s fate is uncertain. So I don’t know how to repay the loan, which was used for the construction of my commercial house here,” lamented Kinzang Dechen, a resident in Khamdang Gewog.
Likewise, Tawmo, another resident in Khamdang Gewog is stressed about the economic strains caused by the halt of the hydropower project.
“We are in a mess now. Works have stopped at the site and workers are going away from here and our houses are being emptied. I don’t know from where I can arrange money to repay loans.”
The Economic Affairs Minister clarified that the hydropower project is not closed as such. It is just that the present management structure under the joint venture model of the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and the SJVN- a hydropower development company based in India has been dissolved.
“It is not working as per the aspirations of the two countries in the hydropower cooperation. Therefore, we have communicated with the Government of India that this joint venture module is not working. So that means, the present structure of Kholongchhu has to be dismantled,” told Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma in an interview with BBS.
Therefore, the minister added whatever works undertaken or planned by the dissolved management have been stopped.
But the minister asserted that the project will resume once all the issues plaguing it are resolved.
“There is no question that Kholongchhu Project will not happen. It will happen. Our expert teams are already in discussions with the stakeholders. They are going to Delhi for the discussion. I am sure something positive will come up. Until then residents there should give us some time,” continued Lyonpo Loknath Sharma.
More than Nu 4.5bn has been used for the project so far.
Sonam Darjay & Pema Seldon Tshering
Edited by Pema Lhaden
