wangchhu basin - nec · held on june 25, 2015 endorsed the framework and te rms of reference for...

National Environment Commission

Royal Government of Bhutan

WANGCH H U BASINMANAGE ME NT P L AN 2 0 1 6

WANGCHHU BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN

2016


Supported by:

DISCLAIMER

International boundaries shown on maps are not necessarily authoritative.

i

FOREWORD

May 30, 2016

Th e scope of water management has greatly expanded over the decades, from water to water +

ecology, then to water + ecology + institutions, and now to water + ecology + institutions + other

concerns - all encompassed in the concept of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM).

Th e Water Act of Bhutan 2011 mandates the National Environment Commission (NEC) to

form River Basin Committee (RBC) to manage and develop water resources in the country. In

pursuing the provisions of the Act, the National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS)

has initiated formation of RBC and preparation of River Basin Management Plan. Th e fi rst RBC

is being piloted in Wangchhu Basin. In facilitating this process, the NEC during the 41st meeting

held on June 25, 2015 endorsed the framework and terms of reference for RBC. Accordingly, the

Wangchhu Basin Committee (WBC) was established in April 2016 for the purpose of preparing

the basin management plan and fostering a coordinated approach to management of water

resources in the basin.

Th e Wangchhu Basin Management Plan (WBMP) is the fi rst plan prepared at a basin level. A

detailed climatic, hydrological, socio-economic and institutional assessments have been carried

out to provide the socio-economic and environmental context of the Wangchhu basin. Th e plan

aims to increase and sustain water security in the basin which will be monitored through Bhutan

Water Security Index. Th e plan was prepared through participatory process and the proposed

interventions need to be mainstreamed into respective Dzongkhags, Gewogs and Th omdes fi ve

year development plans and programs. Th e NECS strongly urges respective agencies to pursue this

integration.

Th e NECS is cognizant of the likely challenges and issues that the WBC, as a new institution

with limited capacity, may face in the process of operationalization and implementation of the

plan. As the apex coordinating body for fostering water security in the country, NECS is fully

committed to provide support and cooperation in the successful operationalization of WBC and

implementation of the WBMP.

Th e formation of WBC and preparation of WBMP were supported by the technical team of ADB.

ii

Th e NECS would like to sincerely thank the Asian Development Bank and Japan fund for Poverty

Reduction for the technical and fi nancial support.

I am hopeful that the experiences and lessons learned from operationalization of WBC and

implementation of WBMP will pave the way for replication in other basins.

(Chencho Norbu)

Secretary

iii

FOREWORD

Th e Water Act of Bhutan 2011 requires that the water resources of Bhutan are managed in an

integrated manner. Th is approach is to be pursued at the level of river basin and coordinated

by river basin committees. In an eff ort to implementing the Water Act, the Wangchhu basin

was identifi ed as the fi rst basin to pilot coordinated planning and implementation of river basin

management plan towards the goal of water security.

Th e Wangchhu basin is perhaps the most dynamic of the basins in the country considering the

diversity of stakeholders in the use and management of its water resources. As the host to the

capital city and the only international airport, the basin is the hub of governance, administration

and economy of the country. It is also economically vibrant with signifi cant use of water for

agriculture and hydropower. Managing the water resources of this basin is therefore not an easy

task.

Th e Wangchhu Basin Committee is the fi rst ever river basin committee to be established in

Bhutan. It is with immense honour and anxiety that we take on this uncharted responsibility of

coordinating management of water resources in the basin. In pursuing our primary function of

preparing the Wangchhu Basin Management Plan, the stakeholders and members have constantly

engaged with technical experts in consultations and planning exercises. It is a matter of pride for us

to have come up with the fi rst river basin management plan in the country, which we expect will

require regular updates based on experience gained during implementation.

Given that both the Wangchhu Basin Committee and the management plan are new, there is

much ‘learning by doing’ to be done. We expect that there will be a need to strengthen the position

and authority of the committee while ensuring that the plan is regularly oriented to suit the needs

for eff ective planning and implementation over time.

On behalf of the Wangchhu Basin Committee, I request concerned authorities, Ministries,

funding agencies, stakeholders and the Dzongkhag and Gewog administrations in the basin to

cooperate with and support the basin committee and its Secretariat to eff ectively coordinate the

interventions towards the goal of enhancing water security in the basin.

Tashi Delek!

Kinzang Dorji

Dzongdag, Haa Dzongkhag

Chairman, Wangchhu Basin Committee

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Th e Wangchhu Basin Management Plan (WBMP)) is the fi rst river basin management plan in

Bhutan that was conceived in keeping with the Water Act of 2011 and the 11th FYP (2013-2018).

Under the umbrella of the National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (2016), it was

prepared by the National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) with inputs from the

Wangchhu Basin Committee (WBC) and supported by a Technical Assistance from the Asian

Development Bank (ADB TA 8623), with the goal to enhance water security in Wangchhu basin

through improved planning and eff ective coordination among Dzongkhag administrations and

agencies involved in water resources management in the basin.

Th e NECS and the WBC would like to thank in particular the Asian Development Bank and the

Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction. Without their technical and fi nancial support, this WBMP

would not have materialised.

Th e NECS also likes to thank the Wangchhu Basin Committee for its contribution to the planning,

especially with respect to setting priorities and assessing the budget requirements.

Lastly, the NECS is grateful to the Technical Assistance team of Egis (France) in joint venture

with the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and the Bhutan Water Partnership for their

dedicated technical guidance and support towards the realization of the WBMP.

v

TABLE OF CONT ENTS

Foreword by Secretary, National Environment Commission Secretariat i

Foreword iii

Acknowledgement iv

Acronyms vii

Glossary x

EXECUT IVE SUMMARY 1

1. INT RODUCT ION 9

1.1. Background 9

1.2. Objectives of the WBMP 9

1.3. Methodology followed to prepare the WBMP 10

1.4. Structure of WBMP 12

2. WANGCHHU BASIN 15

2.1. General description 15

2.2. Water resources of Wangchhu basin 33

2.3. Basin governance and management structure 43

2.4. Water resource management eff orts in the basin 44

2.5. Basin Management Scheme 46

3. SIT UAT ION ANALYSIS 49

3.1. Stress factors in water management 49

3.1.1. Climate cxhange and its impacts on hydrology 49

3.1.2. Anecdotal Water-scarcity 52

3.1.3. Flood-prone areas 63

3.1.4. Critical watersheds 73

3.1.5. Limitations and impacts of hydropower development 74

3.1.6. Water quality 75

3.1.7. Governance 76

3.1.8. Lack of understanding of dimensions of water management 78

3.1.9. Other water-related fi ndings 79

vi

3.2. Problem analysis and strategy development 84

4. WANGCHHU BASIN PLAN 85

4.1. Introduction 85

4.2. Wangchhu Basin Plans and targets 86

4.3. Strengthen governance and institutional capacity

for coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring

of basin management plan 99

4.3.1. Empowerment of Wangchhu WBC for eff ectiveness 99

4.3.2. Capacity of partners in IWRM concepts and river

basin management enhanced 99

4.3.3. Capacity of Dzongkhag, Gewog and Th romde

administrations strengthened 100

4.3.4. Water User Associations formally registered and monitored 101

5. BASIN MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTAT ION

ARRANGEMENTS 103

5.1. Basin Management Structure 104

5.2. Overall framework for basin planning and implementation 106

5.3. Explore possibility of reorienting the water related prioities

of the 11th FYP to priorities of the WBMP 107

5.4. Ensure water security priorities are integrated into the

Guidelines for preparation of FYPs. 107

5.5. Implementation of basin plans 107

5.6. Monitoring and reporting progress on water security index 108

5.7. Financing the operation of WBC and its basin wide

programmes and priorities 108

REFERENCES 110

APPENDICES 111

APPENDIX 1 112

APPENDIX 2 114

APPENDIX 3 120

APPENDIX 4 133

vii

ACRONYMS

ADB Asian Development Bank

AWDO Asian Water Development Outlook

BhWP Bhutan Water Partnership

BLSS Bhutan Living Standard Survey

BNWRI Bhutan National Water Resources Inventory

BTFEC Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation

CD Capacity Development

CDTA Capacity Development Technical Assistance

CFO Chief Forestry Offi cer

CMIP5 Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5

DAO Dzongkhag Agricultural O ffi cer

DDM Department of Disaster Management

DEC Dzongkhag Environment Committee

DEO Dzongkhag Environment O ffi cer

DES Department of Engineering Services

DGM Department of Geology and Mines

DHPS Department of Hydropower & Power Systems

DMF Design & Monitoring Framework

DOA Department of Agriculture

DOFPS Department of Forest & Park Services

DHMS Department of Hydro Met Services

DWS Drinking Water Supply

ESD Environment Service Division of NECS

FAO Food & Agricultural Organization (of the United Nations)

FEMD Flood Engineering Management Division (MOWHS)

FGD Focus Group Discussion

GIS Geographical Information System

GLOF Glacier Lake Outburst Flood

GNHC Gross National Happiness Commission

GNHCS Gross National Happiness Commission Secretariat

HP Hydropower Plants

IEC Information, Education and Communication

IT Information Technology

IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management

viii

JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency

KPI Key Performance Indicator

KRA Key Result Area

MASL Meter above sea level

MOAF Ministry of Agriculture & Forest

MOEA Ministry of Economic Aff airs

MOF Ministry of Finance

MOH Ministry of Health

MOHCA Ministry of Home & Cultural Aff airs

MOWHS Ministry of Works & Human Settlements

MPR Monthly Progress Report

NEC National Environment Commission

NECS National Environment Commission Secretariat

NIIS National Irrigation Information System

NIMP National Irrigation Master Plan

NIWRMP National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

NLC National Land Commission

NWRB National Water Resource Board

ODE Organizational Development Exercise

PES Payment for Environmental Services

PHED Public Health Engineering Division

PlaMS Plan Monitoring System

PPT Power Point (Presentation)

RBC River Basin Committee

RBMP River Basin Management Plan

RCSC Royal Civil Service Commission

RGOB Royal Government of Bhutan

RNR Renewable Natural Resources

RSPN Royal Society for Protection of Nature (Bhutan)

TA Technical Assistance

TNA Training Needs Assessment

TOR Terms of Reference

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization

WBC Wangchhu Basin Committee

WBMP Wangchhu Basin Management Plan

WEAP Water Evaluation And Planning, tool for water accounting

WMD Watershed Management Division

ix

WQMS Water Quality Monitoring Section of WRCD

WRCD Water Resources Coordination Division of NECS

WUAs Water Users Associations

x

GLOSSARY

Drainage basin A drainage basin or catchment basin is an extent or an area of land wherein all

surface water from rain, melting snow, or ice converges to a single point at a

lower elevation, usually the exit of the basin, where the waters join another body

of water, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea, or ocean.i

Or, a drainage basin or catchment basin is an extent or an area of land where

all surface water from rain, melting snow, or ice converges to a single point at a

lower elevation.

Falkenmark index According to the Falkenmark Water Stress Indicator, a country or region is said

to experience “water stress” when annual water supplies drop below 1,700 cubic

metres per person per year. At levels between 1,700 and 1,000 cubic metres per

person per year, periodic or limited water shortages can be expected. When water

supplies drop below 1,000 cubic metres per person per year, the country faces

“water scarcity”ii

Hydrological water

balance

Any water entering a system (via precipitation) must be transferred into either

evaporation, surface runoff (eventually reaching the channel and leaving in

the form of river discharge), or stored in the ground as groundwater and on

the ground as snow or ice. Th is balance requires the system to be a closed

hydrological unit.iii

Integrated

Water Resources

Management

(IWRM)

IWRM is defi ned as ‘a process which promotes the coordinated development

and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise

economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the

sustainability of vital ecosystems’.iv

IWRM components Th e components of IWRM are as follows:

1. Managing water at the basin or watershed level

Th is includes integrating land and water, upstream and downstream,

groundwater, surface water, and coastal resources.

2. Optimizing supply

Th is involves conducting assessments of surface and groundwater supplies,

analysing water balances, adopting wastewater reuse, and evaluating the

environmental impacts of distribution and use options.

3. Managing demand

Th is includes adopting appropriate water/scarcity pricing and investment

cost recovery policies, utilizing water-effi cient technologies, and establishing

decentralized water management authorities.

4. Providing equitable access

Th is may include support for eff ective water users’ associations, involvement of

marginalized groups, and consideration of gender issues.

5. Establishing policy

Examples are implementation of the polluter-pays principle, water quality norms

and standards, and market-based regulatory mechanisms.

6. Inter-sectoral approach

Utilizing an inter-sectoral approach to decision-making, where responsibility or

authority for managing water resources is coordinated well and stakeholders have

a share in the process.

i. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drainage_basin

ii. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_scarcity

iii. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_balance

iv. Global Water Partnership: http://www.gwp.org/Th e-Challenge/What-is-IWRM/

xi

IWRM pillars Th e three IWRM pillars relate to: (i) enabling environment (suitable policies,

strategies, and legislation); (ii) capable institutional mechanisms; and (iii)

management instruments.

IWRM spiral Th e traditional one-track approach of “predictàplanàcontrol” is no longer

appropriate. Rather, an approach that incorporates iterative learning and

fl exibility is needed to make water development plans robust to an uncertain

future faced with a variety of change drivers and challenges. Th is can be achieved

within the context of IWRM, in particular through a process of continual

evolution and improvement – which in the IWRM literature is referred to as the

“spiral approach”, see fi gure below.

From AWDO, 2013

Each spiral describes the cycle of (1) recognizing/ identifying the issues at stake;

(2) conceptualizing the mitigating strategies; (3) coordination & planning of

activities; (4) implementing, monitoring and evaluation. Each cycle typically

takes about 5 years, and thus corresponds well with the fi ve-year planning

practice of the GNHC in Bhutan. Conclusions from the evaluation of previous

round of activities will lead to renewal or adjustment of plans in the next cycle.

River basin A river basin can be defi ned as:v

Th e geographical area determined by the watershed limits of the system of waters,

including surface and underground waters, fl owing into a common terminus (cf.

Helsinki Rules, International Law Association, 1966, article II).

Or

A river basin is the portion of land drained by a river and its tributaries. It

encompasses the entire land surface dissected and drained by many streams and

creeks that fl ow downhill into one another, and eventually into the river and

exiting the area at one point, see fi gure below.

v. https://docs.google.com/a/universitywatersectorpartnership.org

xii

Schematic presentation of a river basin

NB: A (drainage) basin is basically the same as catchment area or watershed. Th e

distinction is mainly based on the scale of the area being referred to.

Th e Dublin principles

for IWRM

IWRM strategies are based on the four principles formulated at a water

conference in Dublin in 1992 (referred to as the Dublin Principles of IWRM)

and presented to world leaders at the World Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Th e four principles are: (i) water is fi nite and vulnerable resource; (ii) need for a

participatory approach in water management; (iii) the role of women is stressed;

and (iv) water has social and economic value. Later, a fi fth principle is added: (v)

integration of the three E’s: economic effi ciency – social equity – environmental

sustainability.

Water accounting Th e systematic study of the current status and future trends in water supply,

demand, accessibility and use within a given spatial domain.vi

Water availability Th e hydrologic capacity of a water source (surface water body, groundwater,

municipal water) to sustain additional water demands after considering other

current water uses and water conditions. (GEMI, 2012) vii

In the context of this basin plan the water availability in an area has been

determined as runoff generated from precipitation within the concerned area

augmented with the infl ow from upstream areas after deducting consumption.

Water security Defi ned as “the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to

adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human

well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against

water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems

in a climate of peace and political stability.”viii Water security may be viewed in

physical or economic terms. Physical water security is a situation wherein water is

abundant enough to meet all demands, whereas economic water security depends

on providing adequate investments in water infrastructure and services delivery.

vi. Godfrey, J. and K. Chalmers (editors). Water Accounting: International Approaches to Policy and Decision-making. Edward Elgar

Publishing, 2012.

vii. http://www.iadclexicon.org/water-availability/

viii. UN-Water: http://www.unwater.org/topics/water-security/en

xiii

Watershed A geographic area of land, water and biota within the confi nes of a drainage

divide. Watershed boundaries defi ne the aerial extent of surface water drainage

to a point. Watershed boundaries always follow the highest ridgeline around the

stream channels and meet at the bottom or lowest point of the land where water

fl ows out of the watershed. Th e boundary between watersheds is defi ned as the

topographic dividing line from which water fl ows in two diff erent directions.

However, the scale at which the land scape is examined is relevant for identifying

and defi ning watersheds. A watershed may be small and represent a single

tributary within a larger system, or be quite large and cover thousands of miles

(i.e. Mississippi River Watershed).ix

Wetlands “Wetland” is a generic term for all the diff erent kinds of wet habitats--

implying that it is land that is wet for some period of time, but not necessarily

permanently wet.x

Th ere are various defi nitions, they usually highlight three aspects: (i) the

hydrological regime (depth of fl ooding or soil saturation; (ii) the type of

plant growth (hydrophytes); and (iii) Soil development (hydric soils). Not all

defi nitions include deep permanent lakes and/or glaciers.

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near

the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,

including during the growing season. Water saturation (hydrology) largely

determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal communities

living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial

species. Th e prolonged presence of water creates conditions that favour the

growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote the development

of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. xi

Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local diff erences in soils,

topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation and other factors,

including human disturbance.

Inland wetlands, like in Bhutan, are non-tidal and can comprise fl oodplains

along rivers and streams; isolated depressions surrounded by dry land along the

margins of lakes and ponds, and in other low-lying areas where the groundwater

intercepts the soil surface or where precipitation suffi ciently saturates the soil

(vernal pools and bogs); marshes and wet meadows dominated by herbaceous

plants, swamps dominated by shrubs, and wooded swamps dominated by trees.

NB: Perennially irrigated areas are not necessarily defi ned as wetlands under this

generic defi nition.

ix. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1042207.pdf

x. https://water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/defi nitions.html

xi. http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/what-wetland

1

EXECUT IVE SUMMARY

1. Th e Wangchhu Basin Management Plan (WBMP) was prepared in accordance with the

requirements laid down in the Water Act (2011) and the Water Regulation (2014), giving a

prominent role to the River Basin Committee (RBC) to be established in each of the main river

basins. Accordingly, an Executive Order was issued on 14 April 2016 establishing the Wangchhu

Basin Committee (WBC). Th e WBC is composed of chairpersons of the Dzongkhag Tshogdu

(district development council), Dzongdags (district governors), Dzongkhag environment

offi cers (DzEOs) of the four Dzongkhags of Chhukha, Haa, Paro, and Th imphu and the

Environmental O ffi cer and Th ompon (Mayor)of Th imphu city. Th e position of WBC

chairperson will be rotated annually among the Dzongdags covered by the basin, and a chief

of the WRCD, NECS will be designated as interim member secretary until the time when the

WBCs are able to have their own Secretariat.

Th e Executive Order, in accordance with the provisions of Water Act, mandates the WBC to

coordinate water resource management in the basin. In particular, the WBC is a coordinating

body responsible for preparation and updating of river basin management plan, integration of

priorities in respective Dzongkhag plans, monitoring implementation of plans and reporting

on the level of water security in the basin. Th e structure and institutional linkages of the

Wangchhu Basin Committee is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Structure of the WBC

2

Prior to formal establishment of the WBC, the designated members of the WBC were involved

in the preparation of the WBMP through a series of meetings and workshops. Th ese were held

from May 2015 to April 2016 and were facilitated under the Asian Development Bank fi nanced

technical assistance project “Adapting to Climate Change through IWRM.” Th e WBC was

formally established by Executive Order of the Prime Minister on 14 April 2016 (Appendix 1)

Th e WBMP was prepared in line with the NIWRMP as well as the UNESCO guidelines for

IWRM at the river basin level. It was endorsed by the WBC in its meeting on 21 April 2016.

2. Th e overall goal of the WBMP is to increase and sustain water security in Wangchhu basin through

improved planning and coordination among agencies involved in water resources management

along the framework of the Bhutan Water Security Index System (BWSIS). As with the national

level, the BWSIS at basin level comprises fi ve key dimensions: (i) rural drinking water supply

and sanitation; (ii) economic water security; (iii) urban drinking water supply, sanitation and

drainage; (iv) environmental water security; and (v) resilience to disaster and climate change. Each

dimension is scored by an index value in the range from 1 (poor) to 5 (very good), from which an

overall average score is obtained. For Bhutan the present average score is 3.08, and for Wangchhu

basin the score is 3.34 (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Present Water Security Index for Bhutan and Wangchhu basin

Th is goal of improved basin water security shall be achieved through iterative and adaptive

planning spirals matching the Five Year Plan periods, as illustrated in Figure 3. Th e time horizon

is 2033, which coincides with the end of the 14th FYP.

3

Figure 3: Schematic presentation of the IWRM spiral

(Adapted from Asian Water Development Outlook 2013)

3. Th e WBMP was prepared on the basis of climatic, hydrological, and socio-institutional

assessments as shown in the simplifi ed diagram in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Simplifi ed diagram showing methodology of preparation of the WBMP

4

4. Wangchhu basin occupies almost 12% of Bhutan’s area, and its share in forest land (10.0%),

agricultural area (12.1%), wetland (9.2%) and livestock (12.3%), as well as capital outlay (13.1%)

is in the same order of percentage. However, the percentage of population relative to the whole

country is much higher at 24%. Th e number of contract fi rms (19%) and revenue generated from

hydropower (47%) are also high for Wangchhu basin. Th e literacy rate for Wangchhu is about

10% higher than the average for Bhutan.1

5. Per the IWRM approach, the Wangchhu basin comprises one drainage basin, which is also

considered as one management unit and thus the area of jurisdiction of the WBC.2 It was sub-

divided into 19 sub-basins for hydrological assessments covering four Dzongkhags (Chhukha,

Haa, Paro, and Th imphu) and 30 Gewogs.3

6. Monthly water balances were established as the diff erence between water availability and water

consumption at present and in the 2030s for all Gewogs. Potential water shortage was assessed

using three criteria: (i) total amount of water resource per capita per year (also known as the

Falkenmark Index), (ii) total volume of water available resulting from the monthly water balance

per Gewog, and (iii) the monthly ratio of future water consumption over water availability per

Gewog. None of these criteria showed any physical water shortage in the basin. However at village

level at least 65 cases of water scarcity were reported by the Gewogs.

Th e Gewogs of Chang (Th imphu Dzongkhag), Wangchang, Hungrel and Shari (all in Paro

Dzongkhag ) might develop potential water stress beyond 2033 from increased population and

consumptive demand.

7. Climate change modelling projects that temperature and rainfall will increase in Wangchhu basin,

resulting in higher monsoon outfl ows (Figure 5)4.5

1 Th e information is obtained from Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan 2014. Contract fi rms are licensed private fi rms or contractors.

2 A drainage basin or catchment basin is an extent or an area of land where all surface water from rain, melting snow, or ice converges

to a single point at a lower elevation.

3 Five percent (%) of Dagana Dzongkhag comprising two Gewogs is also located in Wangchhu basin.

4 RCP 8.5 stands for a climate change scenario with increased greenhouse gas emissions following ‘business as usual’.

5 From the Coupled Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (GCM) MRI-CGCM3 and CCSM4 were used for downscaling,

using the APHRODITE dataset.

5

Figure 5: Monthly average maximum fl ows for RCP 8.5

It follows that the magnitude of the basin outfl ow with 50-year return period is expected to increase

by around a quarter of its present value during the 2060s. Th is is signifi cant because studies done

during the preparation of the WBMP found numerous areas that are prone to fl ooding, as shown

in Figure 6. Th ey include areas in Haa town, near the base of Rimpung Dzong in Paro, and

parts of the urban road after the Lingkarna bridge / royal garage, Centenary farmers market, and

Chanjji football stadium in Th imphu.

Figure 6: Flood-prone areas in Wangchhu basin

6

8. Two areas in particular require watershed protection and improvement. Th e Watershed

Management Division (WMD) classifi ed watershed ‘Nr. 158’, covering 71,000 ha in the lower

part of Wangchhu basin as critical. It classifi ed watershed ‘Nr. 67’ comprising 22,500 ha in and

around Th imphu Dzongkhag as ‘critical by function’ because it provides the urban centre of

Th imphu with drinking water. Th e other watersheds are in good condition and do not require

other measures than monitoring.

9. As discussed in the NIWRMP 2016, the institutional capacity for basin management needs to be

strengthened with respect to coordination between central agencies and with local administrations.

In particular, the River Basin Committee needs to assume its role in basin-level planning and

coordination among the Dzongkhags, but also the Dzongkhag and Gewog administrative units

need strengthening in order to cope with the work related to documenting the fragmented water

sources and their use, and the formal registration of Water Users Associations (WUAs) as required

by the Regulation.

Th e WUAS will have a major role in local water management at the village level, in particular

by looking after the water source, equitably allocating the supply of water among its members as

per priorities laid down in the Water Act, resolving confl icts, and maintaining the distribution

system.6

10. Th e WBMP formulates in Chapter 4 the strategies and targets for increasing the water security

along the indicators defi ned under the fi ve dimensions of the BWSI. For the Wangchhu basin, the

main thrusts are on improving the rural and urban drinking water supply and sanitation, rural

water storage, irrigation development, and fl ood protection measures. Cost estimates were also

established for the respective interventions. Th e total amount until 2033 is estimated at almost

Nu. 113 Billion evenly spread over the 12th, 13th and 14th FYP.

Once implemented, the plans refl ecting the main thrusts above would increase the average score

of water security for Wangchhu basin from the present 3.34 to 3.60 by 2033 (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Score of Water Security in Wangchhu basin

6 Article 38 of the Water Act states the following priorities in water use: 1. Water for drinking and sanitation, 2. Agriculture, 3.energy,

4. Industry, 5. Tourism and recreation, 6. Other uses

7

11. Th e priority steps for the WBC are: (i) review and refi ne the plans described in Chapter 4, and

(ii) Incorporation of the WBMP in the 12th FYP in terms of result-based programs of central line

agencies and local governments.

12. Lastly the implementation arrangements for the WBMP were elaborated in terms of institutional

capacity building, coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of the basin management

plans, and fi nancing.

9

1. INT RODUCT ION

1.1. Background

Th e National Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (NIWRMP) 2016 promulgates the

importance of water security as an important development goal for Bhutan. For the purpose of

ensuring that this goal is pursued at the level of river basins, the plan defi nes fi ve management basins

namely i) Amochhu, ii) Wangchhu, iii) Punatsangchhu, iv) Mangdechhu and v) Drangmechhu.

Drawing on the requirements of the Water Act of 2011 and its regulations, each of these management

basins will have a committee to coordinate among the districts and central agencies the planning,

implementation, monitoring and reporting progress towards the goal of water security in the basin.

Th e NIWRMP also defi nes the Bhutan Water Security Index (BWSI) comprised of fi ve dimensions

and 57 indicators that provide the framework for coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring

and reporting progress.

Th is Wangchhu Basin Management Plan (WBMP) has been prepared in keeping with the Water

Act 2011, the Water Regulation 2014 and the 11th Five Year Plan (FYP) 2013-2018. Th e plan was

prepared by the Wangchhu Basin Committee (WBC) with support from the National Environment

Commission Secretariat (NECS). Considering that this is the fi rst river basin management plan

for the country, the National Environment Commission (NEC) has availed technical assistance

from Asian Development Bank to assist the NECS and the WBC in preparing the plan. As per the

requirements of the Water Act and Regulations, the WBC was established in 2016 vide Executive

Order of the Prime Minister who is also the Chairman of the NEC. For the purpose of preparing the

WBMP, NECS has (i) carried out technical assessment of water resources and issues in the basin and

(ii) constantly involved the Dzongkhag offi cials and stakeholders of Wangchhu basin in (a) training

and orientation to IWRM concepts and (b) consultations for preparation of the WBMP.

As per Water Act 2011 clause 24a, the NECS with the assistance of the WBC is responsible for

preparing and periodically updating the WBMP. Since there is not one agency entirely responsible

for the implementation of the plan, it may be noted that the WBMP is still a framework document

that will serve as a reference to dzonkghag administrations and central agencies for integration of

the identifi ed interventions in their respective plans. Owing to lack of specifi c baseline information,

this plan must be maintained as a living document with regular updates to baseline information and

targets, preferably carried out at least once every fi ve years in time for integration into the next FYP.

1.2. Objectives of the WBMP

Guided by the national goal of water security as per the NIWRMP, the goal of the WBMP is to

improve water security in Wangchhu basin through improved planning and eff ective coordination

among Dzongkhag administrations and agencies involved in water resources management in the

basin. Th is will be achieved using the frameworks of both the Bhutan Water Security Index System and

10

the iterative and adaptive planning cycles or “spirals” of Integrated Water Resources Management

(IWRM).

Specifi c objectives are:

• to assess the current situation and future prospects of water resources of Wangchhu basin;

• to defi ne intervention strategies and targets for the water security indicators for, respectively,

the 12th, 13th and 14th FYPs, and to assess the cost involved; and

• to propose institutional arrangements for eff ective implementation of the plan within the

overall institutional framework as per NIWRMP and terms of reference of the WBC.

1.3. Methodology followed to prepare the WBMP

Th e formulation of the WBMP was guided by the NIWRMP and follows the Dublin principles of

IWRM: (i) water is fi nite and vulnerable resource; (ii) need for a participatory approach in water

management; (iii) the role of women is stressed; (iv) water has social and economic value.7 Th e

three pillars of IWRM are also considered: (i) enabling environment (suitable policies, strategies,

and legislation); (ii) capable institutional framework; and (iii) management instruments.

Th e WBMP also follows the UNESCO guidelines for IWRM at river basin level. Th e basin level

approach to water management enables integration of upstream and downstream issues, and to

quantify and characterize water resources and their uses based on a water balance approach. Th is

is particularly important when considering the impact of climate change, and the response of

the hydrological cycle on the supply side and water demand side resulting from changing land

use, urbanization and industrial/ hydropower development. Risk management and climate

change adaptation strategies, such as managing extreme fl oods and droughts, are also taken into

consideration. Within an IWRM system, water availability shall be systematically monitored and

all major water abstractions shall be registered as per the Water Regulation 2014. It is essential that

diff erent basin stakeholders work together and share information. Th e roles of the stakeholders are

specifi ed in the 2014 Water Regulation further elaborated in the functions of the multi-sectoral

river basin committees to be formed, as described in the NIWRMP.

Furthermore the WBMP incorporates the concepts of ‘Methodology for Eff ective Decision-

making on Impacts and Adaptation’ (MEDIATION), which includes activities such as: (i) analysis

of the decision-making context, (ii) inventory, review and further development of methods for

impacts and vulnerability analysis, (iii) inventory, review and further development of methods

for costing of impacts and adaptation options, (iv) the development of an overarching integrated

methodology, (v) the development of a fl exible, interactive common platform for knowledge

sharing, and (vi) disseminating this knowledge by communication and training program.8

7 Th ese four principles were formulated in a water conference in Dublin in 1992, see http://www.gwp.org/en/Th e-Challenge/What-

is-IWRM/IWRM-Principles/. Later a fi fth principle was added with integration of the three E’s: economic effi ciency, social equity,

and environmental sustainability.

8 MEDIATION represents new concepts in Europe to reduce vulnerability to climate change in the most cost-eff ective way. It

needs scientifi c and technical information about climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation options.

11

It is emphasized that IWRM is an iterative, evolutionary and adaptive process conceptualized as a

‘spiral’ which builds on understanding of the prevailing conditions, enables immediate action where

appropriate, and fosters stakeholder ownership. For Bhutan, each cycle represents a period of fi ve

years, corresponding with the government’s FYPs. Th e IWRM process starts with recognizing and

examining the present situation under the fi ve key dimensions of water security (pertaining to (i)

rural household, (ii) economic, (iii) urban, (iv) environment, and (v) resilience), and then moves

to conceptualizing what needs to be done, followed by setting up of coordination mechanisms

under which planning is undertaken with sustained stakeholder involvement. Th is is followed by

implementation of water security measures, combined with monitoring and evaluation of progress

so as to understand the starting point for the next cycle. Consecutive cycles move the system closer

to the goal of water security. Th e process is depicted in Figure 8.

Figure 8: Schematic presentation of the IWRM spiral (Adapted from AWDO 2013)

Th e process followed in formulating the WBMP is schematically presented in Figure 9. A brief

explanation is given below.

Figure 9: Roadmap for the preparation of the WBMP

12

According to the Water Act and its regulations, the river basin management plan shall be prepared

by the river basin committee. Hence, the fundamental requirement for preparation of river basin

management plan is the establishment of river basin committee. For this, the structure and terms

of reference for formation of river basin committees was approved by the NEC. For the purpose

of facilitating preparation of the WBMP, the NEC established the WBC on 14 April 2016 vide

Executive Order by Prime Minister who is also the Chairman of NEC. Although the committee

was established only in April 2016, the process of preparing the basin plan began a year ago with

the constant involvement of the members as well as other stakeholders. Th e methodology followed

in preparing the plan is briefl y provided as follows.

Technical assessment of water availability and issues in the basin: River basin modelling was

conducted to assess the hydrological status of the Wangchhu basin. Attempts were made to analyse

water availability at the Gewog level. Water scarcities as well as 100-year return period fl oods were

assessed. Surveys were also conducted to collect information on water issues at the Gewog level.

Further, the 11th FYP water related interventions for the Dzongkhags as well as sector plans in

Wangchhu basin were reviewed.

Training and consultative planning workshops: Th e members of the WBC, Dzongkhag planning

offi cers and engineers were oriented to the concept of IWRM and Bhutan Water Security Index

(BWSI) as per the NIWRMP. Th e trainings and planning workshops provided the platform

for progressive consultations and participatory planning involvement of the WBC and the

stakeholders to assess the situation of water resources, issues, and institutional gaps and identify

priority interventions for management of the basin. Th is entailed group exercises to analyse cause

and eff ects of water issues and converting them to intervention activities and strategies, which

form the basis for the proposed plans. Cost analysis and estimates for the proposed interventions

were conducted with the assistance of Dzongkhag planning offi cers and engineer.

WBC meetings and endorsement of the plan: Although the WBC was offi cially established in

April 2016, the incumbent members were trained and constantly involved in the consultation

process. Th e draft WBMP was shared and deliberated at the fi rst WBC meeting held on 20 April

2016. Th e plan was reviewed and revised over a period of two days and endorsed on 21 April 2016.

1.4. Structure of the WBMP

Guided by the NIWRMP, this plan provides a comprehensive description of the geographical,

social, economic, and environmental context of the Wangchhu basin. Based on climate change and

hydrological assessments carried out for the country, the water availability and water balance for

the basin have been assessed. Th is is followed by statement of water related issues based on which

interventions, strategies and implementation arrangements are proposed. Detailed description of

subsequent chapters is given below:

Chapter 2 introduces the Wangchhu basin providing general description of its geography and

climate, administrative boundaries and socio-economic conditions. It also describes the water

13

resources of Wangchhu basin, the status of the BWSI for the basin, and the composition and role

of the WBC.

Chapter 3 focuses on the analyses of issues and stress factors related to water management in

Wangchhu basin. Th e areas covered include basin-specifi c impact of climate change, water scarcity

at Gewog level, fl ood-prone areas, critical watersheds, limitations and impacts of hydropower

development, and water governance issues. Th e chapter also presents a problem analysis and

strategy development based on a participatory logical framework analysis carried out by WBC

members and stakeholders.

Chapter 4 presents the plan based on the BWSI and expressed in terms of Key Result Areas and

Key Performance Indicators. Baseline values and targets are presented, with an explanation of the

next steps to be taken. Th e latter are expected to be used as a guide to preparing water resource

development plans in the series of FYPs formulated by the Gross National Happiness Commission

(GNHC) in coordination with competent authorities and local administrations. Th e WBMP’s

planning horizon is 2033, the end of the 14th FYP.

Chapter 5 deals with implementation arrangements for implementation of the WBMP. Th is

includes institutional capacity building, fi nancial modalities, and monitoring and reporting

mechanisms.

Position of WBMP relative to other documents

Legally, the WBMP is positioned under the NIWRMP as required under the Water Act (Figure

10). Whereas the NIWRMP provides the overall planning and coordination framework of water

resources management in Bhutan, the WBMP aims at guiding the formulation of annual and

FYPs for the districts and central agencies, per the requirements of the GNHC. As such, the plans

and targets laid-out in the WBMP are not binding for the Basin Committee, also because there is

no guarantee that the necessary resources for implementation of the plans will be available.

14

Vision

Gives an

aspirational

description of

longer-term goals.

Policy

The basic principles

by which the

government is

guided

NIWRMP

Outlines a

framework for

coordinated

approach to IWRM

with a defined role

for stakeholders

Legal framework

Water Act of

Bhutan (2011),

Water Regulation

of Bhutan (2014)

and water-related

legislation

RBMP

Plan for achieving

the protection,

improvement and

sustainable use of

the water

environment in the

river basin

Five Year Plans

Articulate the

outcomes and

outputs to be

achieved over the

concerned period

BWSI

Describes the

degree of water

security achieved or

pursued in five key

dimensions

Figure 10: Diagram showing the relation between diff erent documents

15

2. WANGCHHU BASIN

Th is chapter introduces the Wangchhu basin with respect to its geography and climate,

administrative boundaries and socio-economic conditions. Th e state of the basin in terms of its

water resources and current level of water security based on Bhutan Water Security Index are

also described. Hydrological assessment, water resources of the basin are described at the level of

Dzongkhags and Gewogs. After briefl y presenting previous plans and studies undertaken in the

basin, this chapter gives a general description of Wangchhu basin It also describes the, the status

of the Bhutan Water Security Index for Wangchhu, and the composition and role of the WBC.

2.1. General description

Geography

Th e Wangchhu basin is located in the western part of Bhutan between Amochhu basin in the

extreme west of the country and Punatsangchhu basin to the east. It borders China to the north

and India to the south (Figure 11).

Figure 11: Location of Wangchhu basin in Bhutan

Th e total area is 4,596 km2, almost 12% of the country. Th e elevation of the terrain varies from

below 750 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) to over 5,000 m.a.s.l. (Figure 12).

Th e land cover map is presented in Figure 13 and shows the distribution of snow and glaciers,

water bodies, shrub and grasslands, forest by type, agricultural and urban areas.

16

Figure 14 shows the protected areas and wildlife corridors facilitating free passage of wildlife

between them for nature conservation in Wangchhu basin.

Figure 12: Topography of Wangchhu basin Figure 13: Land cover map of Wangchhu basin

17

Figure 14: Protected areas and corridors in Wangchhu basin

Administrative boundaries

Th e Wangchhu basin comprises primarily of the Dzongkhags of Chhukha, Haa, Paro, Th imphu

and a small part of Dagana with a total of 32 Gewogs as shown in Figure 15 and Table 1.

18

Figure 15: Local Government units in Wangchhu Basin

Table 1: Gewogs in the Wangchhu basin

Dzongkhag GewogTotal Area

km2

Area inside

Wangchhu basin

km2

Area inside Wangchhu

basin %

Haa Bjee 747.3 283.3 37.9

Haa Gakiling 338.7 - -

Haa Katsho 40.6 40.6 100.0

Haa Samar 200.6 200.6 100.0

Haa Sangbay 507.4 - -

Haa Uesu 66.3 66.3 100.0

19

Haa Total 1,900.9 590.8 31.1

Dzongkhag Gewog NameTotal Area

km2

Area inside

Wangchhu basin

km2


basin %

Chhukha Bjachho 140.2 140.2 100.0

Chhukha Bongo 398.5 398.5 100.0

Chhukha Chapcha 128.9 128.9 100.0

Chhukha Darla 135.2 111.4 82.4

Chhukha Dungna 202.0 58.5 29.0

Chhukha Geling 221.4 81.3 36.7

Chhukha Getana 241.1 241.1 100.0

Chhukha Loggchina 71.8 - -

Chhukha Metakha 129.4 30.0 23.2

Chhukha Phuentsholing 133.2 - -

Chhukha Samphelling 73.8 - -

Chhukha Total 1,875.6 1,189.9 63.4


km2

Area inside

Wangchhu basin

km2


basin %

Paro Dokar 105.8 105.8 100.0

Paro (Dop)shari 33.8 33.8 100.0

Paro Doteng 194.4 194.4 100.0

Paro Hungrel 10.4 10.4 100.0

Paro Lamgong 48.9 48.9 100.0

Paro Lungney 75.6 75.6 100.0

Paro Naja 136.4 136.4 100.0

Paro Shaba 80.0 80.0 100.0

Paro Tsento 578.7 578.7 100.0

Paro Wangchang 20.6 20.6 100.0

Paro Total 1,284.7 1,284.7 100.0


km2


basin km2


basin %

Th imphu Chang 156.6 156.6 100.0

Th imphu Dagala 203.8 203.8 100.0

20

Th imphu Geney 60.8 60.8 100.0

Th imphu Kawang 297.2 297.2 100.0

Th imphu Lingzhi 386.2 49.3 12.8

Th imphu Mewang 229.7 229.7 100.0

Th imphu Naro 280.9 280.9 100.0

Th imphu Soe 177.6 177.6 100.0

Th imphu Total 1,792.8 1,455.9 81.2

Dzogkhag Gewog NameTotal Area

km2


basin km2


basin %

Dagana Dorona 107.47 36.93 28.5

Dagana Dzingkha 105.09 37.79 35.96

Grand total 8,567.0 4,589.7

Socio-economic and other conditions

A profi le of Wangchhu basin is presented in Table 2. As can be seen, the Wangchhu basin occupies

almost 12% of Bhutan’s total area. Its share in forest land (10.0%), agricultural area (12.1%),

wetland (9.2%) is more or less in the same proportion. Livestock holding in Wangchhu basin is

12.3% of the total in the country, and the share of capital outlay under the 11th FYP is 13.1%.

However, the percentage of population relative to the whole country is much higher at 24%, and

so are the number of contract fi rms and revenue generated from hydropower, which make up 19%

and 47% respectively of the national total9. Th ese data show the socio-economic importance of

Wangchhu basin.

9 Th e information is obtained from the Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan 2014. Th e term “contract fi rms” is understood to include

licensed private fi rms and contractors.

21

Tab

le 2: P

rofi

le of W

ang

chh

u b

asin

Area

Fractio

n o

f

area located

in W

ang

chh

u

basin

To

tal area F

orest

Ag

ric. areaW

etland

Livesto

ckR

ainfall

GL

OF

po

tential*

Po

pu

lation

Co

ntract

firm

s

Hyd

ro-

po

wer

revenu

e

Cap

ital

ou

tlay

11

th

FY

P

ratio[h

a][h

a]%

[ha]

%[h

a]%

[nu

mb

er][m

m]

[nu

mb

er][n

um

ber]

[nu

mb

er][m

illion

un

its]

[millio

n

Nu

]

Ch

hu

kh

a0

.42

21

88

,13

11

61

,25

58

69

,24

14

.91

,79

90

.96

30

,87

08

72

-3,0

41

08

8,3

20

1,0

16

1,9

07

56

0

Haa

0.5

54

18

6,5

95

12

1,7

09

65

2,7

80

1.5

88

0.0

51

7,8

51

81

40

13

,41

73

25

4,9

14

34

9

Paro

11

25

,16

47

6,0

20

61

6,3

40

5.1

1,7

53

1.4

01

7,6

24

49

0-2

,52

20

42

,82

36

87

47

7

Thim

ph

u0

.78

51

74

,69

37

4,8

68

43

2,2

74

1.3

45

80

.26

16

,66

25

05

-60

90

12

3,2

25

4,8

21

35

0

Dagan

a0

.05

17

1,3

00

Wan

gchh

u

basin

45

3,6

28

27

0,2

68

60

13

56

53

.02

92

00

.64

53

62

05

05

-3,0

41

01

84

,25

95

,08

03

,52

71

,18

1

Bh

utan

3,8

39

,40

02

,70

5,2

41

70

11

2,5

49

2.9

31

,91

00

.83

43

7,5

75

50

0-5

,00

02

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63

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71

3,1

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00

% fo

r

Wan

gchh

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utan

11

.81

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-1

2.1

-9

.2-

12

.3-

0.0

24

.13

8.7

46

.71

3.1

• G

LO

F =

Glacial L

ake O

utb

urst F

loo

d. S

ou

rce: Statistical yearbo

ok

Bh

utan

(20

14

)

22

Wangchhu basin has a population of 184,259, which is 24% of the national population. Th e

distribution is shown in Figure 16. Th e population of Wangchhu basin is expected to grow by

almost 30% to 240,000 by 2033.

Figure 16: Population in Wangchhu (2015)

Table 3 shows the gender-segregated participation of men and women in the labour force and their

respective share in unemployment. As can be seen, the total labour force participation is highest

in Chhukha (61.5%) and Paro (59.6%), both slightly above national average. Th e labour force

participation for men is some 20% higher than for women in Wangchhu basin and at national

23

level. Th e highest diff erence is in Th imphu (35%) and the lowest is in Haa (8%).

Table 3: Dzongkhag-wise labour force participation by gender

DzongkhagLabour Force Participation Rate Unemployment Rate

Male Female Total Male Female Total

Chhukha 74.7 48.3 61.5 1.9 2.9 2.3

Haa 61.3 53.5 57.4 1.4 2.0 1.7

Paro 65.3 54.5 59.6 3.3 2.3 2.8

Th imphu 71.7 35.9 53.0 4.3 11.5 6.9

Wangchhu 68.3 48.1 57.9 2.7 4.7 3.4

Bhutan 69.5 49.9 59.4 2.4 3.2 2.7

Source: Bhutan Living Standard Survey, 2012

In Wangchhu basin, Th imphu (61.8%) has the highest proportion of income derived from wages

and salaries followed by Chhukha at 58%. Haa at 39.7% and Paro at 38.4% have much lower

proportion of income derived from wages amongst the four Dzhonkhags and also when compared

to Bhutan’s average of 57.2%. Agricultural income is highest in Haa at 39.7% much above the

Bhutan average of 10.2% with Th imphu having the lowest proportion – at 1.1%.10 See Table 4.

Table 4: Dzongkhag-wise annual household income in Ngultrum by source

Dzongkhag Income Source % of Household income

Wages Agric. Non-Agric. Total Wages Agric. Non-

Agric.

Chhukha 150,731 12,051 97,205 259,988 58.0 4.6 37.4

Haa 45,604 50,493 31,181 127,278 35.8 39.7 24.5

Paro 77,483 34,542 89,798 201,823 38.4 17.1 44.5

Th imphu 189,022 3,420 113,333 305,775 61.8 1.1 37.1

Bhutan 94,275 16,894 53,660 164,829 57.2 10.2 32.6


Th e status of poverty in the Gewogs of Wangchhu is presented in Table 5.11 It appears that Paro

has the least poverty (all Gewogs less than 15%), followed by Th imphu (two Gewogs 16-26%).

Chhukha has the most poverty with (two Gewogs above 52%, and another two Gewogs with 37-

51%.

10 Refer to standalone supporting document titled: Social aspects of water resource management in Bhutan

11 Bhutan poverty assessment, National Statistics Bureau, RGOB, 2014: Poverty is defi ned as a consumption level of less than US$

1.25 per capita per day.

24

Table 5: Status of poverty in Gewogs of Wangchhu basin

DzongkhagGewogs inside Wangchhu

basin

Class of Poverty in Gewog Poverty Head Count12

1. Chhukha

Bjachho 1 0% -15%

Bongo 2 16%-26%

Chapchha 1 0% -15%

Darla 3 27%-36%

Geling 3 27%-36%

Getana 5 52%-69%

Metakha 4 37%-51%

2. Haa

Bjee 1 0% -15%

Katsho 1 0% -15%

Samar 2 16%-26%

Uesu 1 0% -15%

3. Paro

Dokar 1 0% -15%

(Dop)shari 1 0% -15%

Doteng 1 0% -15%

Hungrel 1 0% -15%

Lamgong 1 0% -15%

Lungney 1 0% -15%

Naja 1 0% -15%

Shaba 1 0% -15%

Tsento 1 0% -15%

Wangchang 1 0% -15%

4. Th imphu

Chang 1 0% -15%

Dagala 1 0% -15%

Geney 2 16%-26%

Kawang 1 0% -15%

Lingzhi 1 0% -15%

Mewang 1 0% -15%

Naro 2 16%-26%

Soe 1 0% -15%

Poverty head count classes: 1=0% -15%; 2=16%-26%; 3=27%-36%; 4=37%-51%; 5=52%-69%

25

Hydropower

Hydropower generation is the biggest earner of revenue in Wangchhu basin. Th e location of

existing and planned hydropower stations is shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17: Existing and planned hydropower stations in Wangchhu basin

26

Large hydropower stations

Existing hydropower stations

Th ere are two large existing hydropower stations in Wangchhu basin at Tala (1,020 MW) and at

Chhukha (336 MW). Th ese are run-of- river power stations that do not have large reservoirs.

New hydropower stations

Two new hydropower plants are planned in Wangchhu basin. Th ey are the Wangchhu Hydro

Electric Project with a proposed installed capacity of 570 MW. It will have a head race tunnel of

12.4 km length and storage dam of 134 meter height above foundation, with a crest level of 498

m.a.s.l. Th e full reservoir level will be set at 494 m.a.s.l. and the live storage of the reservoir will be

14.5 million cubic meters (MCM).

Th e second planned project is at Bunakha, also in Chhukha Dzongkhag located in Geling and

Chapcha Gewogs. Its planned installed capacity will be 180MW and it is proposed to be a reservoir

scheme project with some seasonal storage. Th e generators will be located at the toe of the storage

dam, hence there will be no head race tunnel. Th e dam height will be 197 m above foundation,

with a crest level of 2,010 m.a.s.l. Th e live storage of the reservoir will be 250.6 MCM.

Small hydropower stations

Th e status of existing small hydropower stations is given in Table 6.12

Table 6: Status of existing small hydropower stations

District Location Output in KW Built/ Renovated

Th imphu Gidakom 250x5 1973/ 2001

Th imphu Mini 100x4 1967/ 1998

Th imphu Lingzhi 8x1 1999

Th imphu Th inleygang 30x1 1987/ Shut down

Th ree additional small run-of-the-river hydropower stations are under consideration in the

Wangchhu basin. Investigations have been done to check whether these plants could be equipped

with a multi-purpose reservoir in order to level-out the seasonal variation of power generation, and

to supply drinking and irrigation water. Th e fi ndings are summarized in Table 7.

12 Data collection renewable energy, JICA, 2013

27

Table 7: Proposed small hydropower stations and their potential for multi-purpose reservoir.

District LocationAnnual output in

MWh

Potential for multi-

purpose reservoir

Haa Nagu 3 Yes

Chhukha Chapcha 23 No

Chhukha Tamachu 10 No

Th ere may be a potential for a multi-purpose reservoir in connection with the proposed small

hydropower stations only in Haa district.

Agriculture

Existing agricultural areas and irrigation infrastructure are shown in Figures 18 and 19. As elsewhere

in the country, farming system in the Wangchhu basin includes crop production, horticulture,

livestock and forestry. Th e basin has a total of 13,565 ha of arable land. Th ere are 4,291 ha of dry-

land (Khamzhing), 3,428 ha of slash and burn practiced agriculture (tseri/pangzhing), 2,114 ha of

wetlands, 1,169 ha of orchards and 166 ha of kitchen gardens.13 In the Wangchhu basin, Chhukha

has around 9.3% of land under cultivation followed by Paro (6.3%), Haa (2.8%) and Th imphu

(2.3%). Together they have 3% of the area under cultivation which is the same as the average of

Bhutan (2.9%) as shown in Table 2.

13 Tshering et al., 2009

28

Figure 18: Agricultural areas in Wangchhu basin

29

Figure 19: Irrigation infrastructure in Wangchhu basin

Common crops grown in Wangchhu basin are paddy, maize, wheat, barley, millet. Fruits like

apples, oranges, plums, pears and vegetables like caulifl ower, potato, carrot, tomato, and chillies

are also grown.

Membership of groups for agriculture, irrigation and other purposes is presented in Table 8. As

shown, agricultural groups are much stronger developed in Chhukha (8.7%) than in other districts

of Wangchhu basin (less than 2%), but water user associations (WUAs) are most developed in

Paro district (15.75%) but not in other districts (0%).

30

As per Water Act and Regulations, WUAs shall be registered with the Gewog administration. In

the past however, water users groups were formed as a cooperative group under the Marketing

Act and they were expected to have an income-generating activity. Th ey have been trained and

operated a bank account, but most of them are in fact not functioning because the leaders became

disconnected from the community.14

Th e existing water management groups are not registered with the government or under any

offi cial system; therefore, they do not have formal government recognition. Members often pay

a contribution to employ a water tender for maintenance of the water supply system. Table 9

presents the number of informal water groups found in the primary survey conducted.15

Table 8: Percentage of household membership in groups as per primary survey

Groups Percentage of household members

Chhukha Haa Paro Th imphu

Agriculture Group or Association 8.7 0.0 0.0 1.6

Community Forest Group 2.5 18.9 0.7 2.1

Credit or Saving Group 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.5

Dairy Production Group 3.3 0.0 6.7 0.0

Education Service Group 15.8 0.0 0.0 0.0

Farmer Group–Other 32.3 0.0 0.0 0.0

Farmer Group–Production 0.0 2.8 0.0 5.8

Games, Sports, and Entertainment 38.5 0.0 0.0 47.4

Health Care and Cleaning Club/Group 36.8 0.0 0.0 8.7

Livestock Association or Group 9.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

Local Development Group 19.3 0.0 0.0 0.0

Occupation Group 5.9 0.0 11.9 43.5

Other Group 27.7 0.0 0.0 22.5

Spiritual Group or Association 6.1 0.8 4.5 4.2

Village or Community Group 0.0 0.0 0.0 24.7

Water User Association 0.0 0.0 15.8 0.0

Welfare and Charity Group 11.2 4.1 5.8 17.4

Women‘s Association 13.5 5.7 6.3 2.9

All 8.7 5.5 2.9 6.4

14 Feed-back from the national stakeholder consultation workshop held in Th imphu on 4 February 2016.

15 See stand-alone supporting document: Social aspects of Water Resources Management in Bhutan

31

Table 9: Informal water groups found in primary survey

DzongkhagVillages

Existence of WUAs Other Associations and groups

Chhukha Gewog: Bjachho

Mebesa No Vegetable group, farmers group

(male)

Tashigatshel No No

Gewog: Bongo

Meritsemo One water caretaker -

paid

Vegetable association. Male,

women’s group

Pakshingkha One water care taker -

paid

No

Gewog: Darla

Nimgang Yes – 5 members Vegetable association - Male;

farmers association - women

Taptangbu No Farmers group (men & women)

Paro Gewog: Tsento

Namji No Farmers group (men & women),

milk association (men & women)

Phangdo No Farmers group (men & women)

Gewog:Shaba

Zhen-kha-na

Yes, 3 members Farmers group (men & women)

Bara One caretaker - paid Farmers group (men & women)

Gewog: Naja

Wanakha Yes, 2 members Farmers group (men & women)

Tokha Yes, 2 members Gyalpo Zimpon for poor families

only, framers group (men &

women)

Haa

Gewog: Samar

Balamna Yes, 3 members No

Puduna No No

Gewog: Katsho

Ingo Yes, 3 members No

32

DzongkhagVillages

Existence of WUAs Other Associations and groups

Naktsho Yes, 2 members & one

paid plumber

No

Gewog:Bjee

Tokey Yes, 3 members

Yangthang Yes, 3 members No

Th imphu Gewog: Mewang

Jamdo Yes – 2 persons Farmers group (male & female)

Tshenden Dhapsa No Farmers group (male)

Gewog: Kawang

Chokhor No Farmers group (male & female),

milk association

Zhoshie Water caretaker - paid No

Gewog:Geney

Chesing Water caretaker – paid No

Wangbama Water care taker - paid No

Literacy and education

Th e gender-segregated literacy rate and educational attainment are given by Dzongkhag in Tables

10 and 11, respectively. Th is shows that the Wangchhu basin population has a higher literacy rate

compared to the national average.

Table 10: Dzongkhag-wise gender segregated literacy status

DzongkhagGeneral Literacy

Male Female Total

Chhukha 79.5 61.4 70.5

Haa 79.5 56.8 68.6

Paro 77.7 57.5 67.3

Th imphu 87.4 73.3 80.0

Average 81.0 62.3 71.6

Bhutan 71.6 54.7 63.0


33

Table 11: Dzongkhag-wise educational attainment rate

DzongkhagPrimary School Completion Secondary School Completion

Male Female Total Male Female Total

Chhukha 101.5 77.5 90.5 63.4 87.8 74.5

Haa 128.2 204.3 156.2 61.0 85.2 71.5

Paro 63.0 95.3 78.4 107.5 82.0 90.4

Th imphu 82.5 87.6 85.2 104.3 80.4 91.4

Bhutan 85.8 92.6 89.0 68.8 74.2 71.4


2.2. Water resources of Wangchhu basin

Climate pattern in Wangchhu basin

A summary of climatic data is given in Table 12.

Table 12: Summary of climatic data

Dzongkhag

(Station)

Altitude

(m)

Temperature (0/C)Rainfall

(mm)

Relative

humidity

(%)

Wind

speed

(m/s)

Sunshine

duration

(hr)Max Min

Haa (Namjeyling) 2,751 16.3 4.9 866 72.8 0.9 5.5

Chhukha

(Phuentsholing)270 29.8 19.8 3,888 79.1 0.9 4.8

Paro (DSC) 2,406 19.9 8.2 661 70.2 0.6 4.8

Th imphu

(Simtokha ) 2,310 22.0 8.2 597 67.8 1.0 5.7

Source: Department of Hydro-Met Services (DHMS)

Th e pattern of precipitation and evaporation over Wangchhu basin is shown in Figure 20 and 21.

Th e monthly distribution is shown in Table 13 and Figure 22.

34

Figure 20: Annual precipitation over Wangchhu basin

Table 13: Monthly 80%-dependable rainfall and evaporation (Eo) per district

Month

StationJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total

Haa rain 10.4 14.2 25.5 46.7 62.9 108.8 155.3 148.5 106.3 58.6 2.2 3.5 742.9

Haa E0 47.1 52.6 75 87 98.6 91.8 97.7 96.1 83.4 75.3 57 47.4 909

35

Paro rain 5.9 8.8 14.4 22.3 40.4 58.5 120.5 79.3 62.2 35.5 6.4 2.8 457

Paro E0 45.3 54.9 78.4 90.6 103.5 96 97.3 97.3 84.9 78.7 55.2 42.5 924.6

Chhukha rain 13 23.3 55.8 159.9 285.2 628.4 669 553.9 317.8 117.6 9.3 8.5 2841.7

Chhukha E0 59.2 72 103.5 112.8 119 101.4 99.5 102.9 92.4 100.1 80.7 66 1109.5

Th imphu rain 5.5 8.5 13.8 22.3 40.1 82.1 120.8 105.6 56.2 37.6 1.4 3.2 497.1

Th imphu E0 53 62.2 89.6 102.9 115 108 113.8 110.4 96.9 88 65.4 53.9 1059.1

Figure 21: Annual evapotranspiration over Wangchhu basin

Source: National Irrigation Master Plan, 2016

36

Figure 22: Graphical presentation of monthly 80%-dependable rainfall versus evaporation in mm

Th e present irrigation water demand per hectare for each agro-climatic zone is derived from the

National Irrigation Master Plan, and is given per district in Table 14. Th ese fi gures are used for

calculating the present irrigation water demands of existing irrigated areas as well as proposed

expansion areas.

Table 14: Irrigation water demand in l/s/ha

Station\Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Haa -

Namjeyling0.00 0.00 0.11 0.29 0.38 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Paro DSC 0.23 0.34 0.45 0.30 1.88 2.92 1.76 1.59 1.51 0.97 0.07 0.31

Chhukha -

Phuentsholing 0.56 0.90 0.74 0.37 1.36 1.17 0.37 0.29 1.42 1.42 0.52 0.19

Th imphu -

Simtokha0.27 0.38 0.51 0.34 1.93 2.92 1.88 1.57 1.61 1.01 0.08 0.34

Source: National Irrigation Master Plan 2016

As shown in Table 13, the 80%-dependable rainfall in Wangchhu basin ranges from 457 mm in

Paro to 2,842 mm in Chhukha. Analysis of rainfall data over Wangchhu basin over the last two

decades shows a negligible decreasing trend for Haa, Paro and Th imphu, but a clearly decreasing

trend for Chhukha as shown in Figure 23.

37

Figure 23: Rainfall trends in Wangchhu basin over the last two decades

Th e number of consecutive dry days (less than 1 mm precipitation per day) was investigated for

diff erent elevation zones in Bhutan over the last three decades. Th ey fell slightly around values of

35 days for the southern foothills, 40 days for the inner Himalayas, and 60 days for the higher

Himalayas, and these fi ndings are also representative for the Wangchhu basin.

Fresh water resources

Th e entire drainage basin of Wangchhu is discharging an annual 5,200 MCM, or 7.4% of Bhutan’s

total river fl ow into India (Table 15). Th e Wangchhu is the main drainage channel of the basin

(Figure 24). Th e main tributaries are Tangochhu, Bjemirongchhu in Th imphu , Deochhu and

Parochhu in Paro , Haachhu in Haa , and Pipingchhu in Chhukha. Th e overall length of rivers in

the basin is about 553 km comprising the Wangchhu, Parochhu and 19 tributaries. Th e longest

river is Parochhu at 173 km. For hydrological assessments the river basin has been sub-divided

into 19 sub-basins.

Table 15: Average net monthly outfl ow (MCM and %) per basin

Basin Wangchhu Bhutan

Jan 82 1,028

Feb 102 1,336

Mar 144 1,512

Apr 265 3,115

38

Basin Wangchhu Bhutan

May 397 4,713

Jun 713 10,002

Jul 1,132 16,382

Aug 965 13,410

Sep 723 10,392

Oct 441 5,769

Nov 143 1,792

Dec 103 1,126

Total MCM 5,209 70,576

Total in % 7.4% 100.0%

Figure 24: Sub-basins (19) delineated in hydrological modelling of Wangchhu basin

Th e average water availability per Gewog was assessed on the basis of hydrological modelling and

the results are shown in Table 16.

39

Table 16: Average water availability per Gewog over the year

Area

(km2) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

1 Soe 174.16 2.12 1.79 3.56 10.45 11.49 16.10 27.61 28.18 17.70 12.35 4.20 3.48

2 Tsento 573.13 7.45 7.89 11.65 29.91 34.95 50.67 86.81 87.91 56.95 42.51 14.64 11.30

3 Lamgong 48.99 0.78 1.16 0.99 1.50 2.33 3.81 6.48 6.43 4.59 4.10 1.45 0.91

4 Loong-nyi 75.71 1.45 1.94 2.14 3.21 4.12 6.32 10.85 11.44 8.53 6.35 2.15 1.69

5 Wangchang 20.65 0.37 0.48 0.56 0.86 1.07 1.61 2.79 2.95 2.20 1.61 0.54 0.43

6 Doteng 194.77 2.84 3.07 3.70 5.47 8.30 12.36 21.13 20.52 14.05 13.23 5.42 4.10

7 Dopshar-ri 33.89 0.46 0.51 0.62 0.91 1.37 2.05 3.51 3.40 2.33 2.20 0.88 0.67

8 Hoongrel 10.46 0.21 0.24 0.29 0.44 0.56 0.86 1.45 1.53 1.14 0.86 0.29 0.24

9 Sharpa 80.21 1.55 2.06 2.36 3.53 4.45 6.74 11.57 12.32 9.23 6.70 2.28 1.85

10 Dokar 106.04 2.25 2.88 3.00 4.33 6.00 8.76 15.83 15.80 11.38 8.49 3.86 3.56

11 Lingzhi 49.34 0.75 1.35 2.44 3.29 4.87 8.94 13.42 12.83 9.31 6.32 2.20 1.12

12 Naro 279.46 4.15 6.80 12.32 16.67 24.67 44.06 68.00 65.57 48.76 33.40 12.00 6.21

13 Kawang 297.17 4.63 6.65 8.22 11.66 18.13 30.46 49.34 52.12 37.69 29.27 12.10 6.21

14 Chang 156.38 2.52 3.05 2.89 4.46 6.99 11.69 21.78 23.36 15.06 11.22 4.35 3.32

15 Meedwang 230.09 3.70 4.14 3.99 6.19 9.62 16.07 31.71 33.40 21.12 14.89 5.42 4.90

16 Dakarla 202.56 3.78 4.28 4.82 7.70 12.27 21.46 35.97 32.06 22.89 15.16 7.34 5.60

17 Ge-nyen 60.93 0.96 1.09 1.07 1.63 2.54 4.25 8.38 8.84 5.60 3.94 1.43 1.31

18 Chapchcha 129.18 2.79 3.39 3.80 5.83 9.27 15.24 24.96 20.86 15.50 10.69 6.58 5.46

19 Bij 283.31 5.54 5.30 6.43 9.75 8.54 18.66 34.02 43.10 28.49 23.28 9.98 4.87

20 Kar-tshog 40.65 0.78 0.72 0.88 1.34 1.18 2.59 4.71 5.97 3.96 3.24 1.40 0.70

21 Uesu 66.46 0.86 1.94 2.01 3.29 4.66 7.23 11.49 11.68 8.01 5.79 1.17 0.88

22 Samar 199.74 3.00 5.03 7.69 11.02 13.37 22.42 35.84 37.50 26.67 21.51 6.22 4.04

23 Nagya 136.66 3.40 4.38 4.50 6.48 7.98 11.82 20.46 20.86 15.42 16.63 8.71 5.70

24 Doongna 58.53 1.42 1.84 1.96 2.85 3.43 5.18 8.84 9.16 6.69 7.66 4.17 2.62

25 Meedtabkha 29.98 0.83 1.09 1.50 2.80 4.79 8.86 13.39 10.02 7.98 4.39 1.24 0.96

26 Geling 81.29 1.58 1.98 2.71 4.98 8.57 15.91 23.78 17.46 14.10 7.47 2.64 1.98

27 Bjagchhog 139.56 4.07 5.35 8.04 16.10 29.22 55.60 82.76 58.63 47.67 21.24 3.73 3.54

28 Bongo 398.93 8.57 11.30 21.80 52.00 87.93 174.00 262.83 178.89 150.13 60.96 7.96 7.50

29 Darla 111.42 3.11 4.23 8.01 18.87 32.19 63.84 95.06 65.14 53.84 21.96 2.88 2.79

30 Getana 240.89 5.68 6.22 9.64 17.83 31.79 65.11 97.12 66.93 56.14 23.86 5.42 5.30

31 Dorona 30.63 0.72 0.80 1.23 2.26 4.04 8.27 12.32 8.49 7.13 3.03 0.70 0.67

32 Lhamoi Dzingkha 37.79 0.94 1.16 1.90 3.78 6.78 13.71 19.58 13.74 10.91 4.63 0.88 0.88

Monthly flows (MCM)Geog

As shown in Table 17 and Figure 25, there are 56 glaciers in the northern part of the basin. Due to

global warming, glaciers are decreasing in thickness and area thus contributing to the river fl ow.16

However, glacial retreat due to climate change is likely to threaten the long-term sustainability of

water fl ows.17

Table 17: sGlaciers in Wangchhu basin

Basin Sub-basin Number of Glaciers Glacier Area (km2)Largest

Glacier

CI DC CI DC Total km2

Wangchhu

Th imphuchhu 19 0 5.2+0.1 0.0+0.0 5.2±0.1 1.5

Parochhu 37 2 22.2+0.4 5.4+0.0 27.6±0.5 7.2

Subtotal 56 2 27.4+0.6 5.4+0.0 32.8±0.7 7.2

CI= Clean Ice, DC= Debris Covered

16 NSDIC 2015: www.nsidc.org

17 Bajracharyaet al., 2014. See also the stand-alone supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessment for Bhutan.

40

Figure 25: River network and glaciers in Wangchhu

basin

Figure 26: Glacial lakes in Wangchhu basin

Th ere are also a few glacial lakes (Figure 26) in the northern part of Wangchhu basin, but none of

them were classifi ed as at risk of outburst.18

Hydrological basin as management unit

Th e Wangchhu drainage basin also serves as the management unit. It is the area of jurisdiction

of the WBC that has a broad mandate to coordinate policies and actions concerning basin

planning and management of water resources, including preparation and periodic updating of

the basin plan. Th e WBC is specifi cally tasked with resolving inter-district issues related to water

management such as upstream-downstream eff ects of interventions related to water abstraction,

effl uent discharge and pollution. Th e WBC also coordinates the water-related planning and

management involving national agencies and the four Dzongkhags within the basin to arrive at a

balanced water resource allocation. 19

18 Mool et al., 2001. See also the stand-alone supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessment for Bhutan

19 Water security is defi ned as “the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable

quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against

water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability.” Water

security may be viewed in physical or economic terms. Physical water security is a situation wherein water is abundant enough

to meet all demands, whereas economic water security depends on providing adequate investments in water infrastructure and

services delivery.

41

Monitoring stations

Th e location of river gauging and meteorological stations in Wangchhu basin is given in Figure 27.

Th e historical records from these stations have been used in the basin hydrological assessments.20

Figure 27: Rainfall and discharge monitoring stations in Wangchhu basin

At present, the ambient water quality is being monitored by the Water Quality Monitoring Section

(WQMS) of the Water Resources Coordination Division (WRCD) of NECS. Th e locations of

ambient water quality sites and effl uent sampling points along Th imphuchhu and its tributaries

are shown in Figures 28 and 29. Measurements on other locations in the basin are done ad-hoc.

20 For details see the stand-alone supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessment for Bhutan

42

Figure 28: Ambient water quality sampling points along Th imphuchhu

Figure 29: Figure 29: Effl uent sampling points along Th imphuchhu

Th e thematic maps for Wangchhu basin are available in the Bhutan Water Security Information

Management System, which is posted in the following website: www.nec.gov.bt.

43

2.3. Basin governance and management structure

Governance mechanisms to promote management and accounting of water resources at the basin

level has been an aspiration of the Royal Government and eff orts are being made to institutionalize

it with the preparation of the NIWRMP and WBMP. Although the need for coordinated and

integrated approach to water resources has been acknowledged since early 2000 and integrated

into policy and legislation, the concept of managing water resources at the level of basin is relatively

new. Th e concept of river basin has been applied more at technical levels in assessing hydrology

and water availability for hydropower development and less by Dzongkhag, Gewog and central

level agencies in planning, implementation and monitoring of water resources. Like in the case

of other development interventions, planning and management of water resources are carried out

from the perspective of Dzongkhags and not the basin as a whole.

Other than planning and execution of large projects such as hydropower projects by Ministry of

Economic Aff airs at the central level, interventions in other areas of water resource management

such as drinking, irrigation, fl ood management and pollution abatement initiatives are carried

out by both the central agencies as well as the Dzongkhag administrations. Th e central agencies

primarily engage in national level policy and planning, engage in execution of large scale projects

and programmes and provide technical backstopping tolocal governments. For example, the

Ministry of Agriculture and Forest is responsible for planning irrigation at the national level as well

as executes large irrigation schemes while also providing technical support to Dzongkhags through

the Research and Development Centres. Dzongkhag and Gewog Administrations implement

repair and maintenance of existing irrigation systems and development of small scale irrigation

systems. Th rough its Department of Forest and Park Services, the Ministry is also mandated

to promote watershed management in the country. Th e Ministry of Health is responsible for

national level policy and planning of rural drinking water and sanitation while also assisting the

local government in implementing the programmes. For urban areas, the Ministry of Works and

Human Settlements is responsible for national level urban development policy and planning. In

relation to water management, the Ministry through its Department of Engineering Services is

responsible for planning urban water supply, sanitation, (sewerage, waste water treatment) and

fl ood management.

While mechanisms exist to plan and implement water programmes and projects at central and

Dzongkhaglevels, eff orts to foster coordinated management of water resources at the basin level

are new. Bhutan's fi rst river basin committee was put in place in April 2016 with the establishment

of the WBC. Th e framework, composition, and terms of reference for the committee provide

the basis for coordination of water resource management in the basin. Considering that the

committee is the fi rst of its kind in the country, it will be necessary to constantly review and orient

the committee based on experiences and lessons learnt to evolve into an eff ective institution (see

governance and implementation arrangements chapter).

44

2.4. Water resource management eff orts in the basin

Th ere have been several independent eff orts to investigate and implement water resource

management programmes in the Wangchhu basin. Some of the prominent ones include:

Water Resources Management Plan 2003:21 Th e study was the fi rst to provide nation-wide

overview of Bhutan’s water resources. Th e study was carried out by Norconsult for the Department

of Energy, Ministry of Trade & Industry and completed in 2003. Focusing on the three main

north-south rivers basins, the study provides a wealth of information water for drinking an

irrigation and hydropower. Aspects of the study that are specifi c to Wangchhu include:

• Base maps in ARC GIS format established in the Land Use Planning Section of the Planning

and Policy Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Th imphu.

• Possible sources of water pollution from local sanitary effl uents and use of herbicides,

pesticides, fertilisers n the agricultural sector.

• Th ere may be competition between irrigation and hydropower, and some sub-basins could

reach water stress situation in the future.

• Multi-purpose storage schemes are generally not feasible for economic and fl ood control

purposes.

• Need for improved coordination between municipalities and agencies involved in rural water

supply, urban water supply, irrigated agriculture, pollution abatement, and fl ood protection

• Need for improved irrigation effi ciencies (only) in Paro and Th imphu valleys

• Future river basin management must take care not to override Dzongkhag and Gewog level

decision-making frameworks

Wang Watershed Management Project: Th e European Union supported Wang Watershed

Management Project was implemented in the four Dzongkhags of Wangchhu basin from September

2000 to July 2007. Th e purpose of the project was to develop, test and institutionalize practical

watershed, land, and farm management techniques and procedures. Th e project was envisaged

to benefi t 10,000 rural households in the Dzongkhags of Chhukha, Haa, Paro and Th imphu.

Th e project was implemented by Ministry of Agriculture. Th e Royal Society for Protection of

Nature (RSPN) was the implementing partner for the Environmental Education and Advocacy

component of the project. Th e project cost was Euros 9.2 million.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Bunakha Hydropower station:22 Th e report describes

the hydropower project, water and environment, physical environment, bio-diversity, and socio-

economic environment. It gives an identifi cation, prediction and evaluation of impacts of the

project. Th e report has been endorsed by NECS.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Wangchhu Hydropower station:23 Th e report gives 21 Water Resources Management plan, Department of Energy, Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2003.

22 Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Bunakha Hydro-Electric Project (180 MW), THDC, India,

2013

23 Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for Wangchhu HEP (570 MW), Bhutan, WAPCOS India, October

45

project details, an environmental baseline status with physic-chemical aspects, ecological aspects,

and socio-economic aspects. It also predicts the impacts of the project on water quality; air, noise

and land environment; ecology; and socio-economic environment. It proposes an environmental

management plan, and a resettlement and rehabilitation, as well as a monitoring plan. It also

contains a disaster management plan and cost estimates. Th e report was endorsed by NECS.

Assessment of vulnerability to climate change:24 Vulnerability to climate change and possible

adaptation options in Bhutan were assessed under the National Adaptation Program of Action

(NAPA), supported by ADB. It did not specifi cally target Wangchhu basin, but Wangchhu was

included in the study. Th e study identifi ed three high risks areas and screened adaptation options

based on set criteria. A Multi-Sectoral Technical Committee on Climate Change was established

as a national technical forum for coordinating all climate change issues in Bhutan. It became the

task force for revising the NAPA documents. Th e Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) was used in

the NAPA 2006 document to screen, select and rank the projects. Out of the nine prioritized

adaptation measures, three projects are being implemented with fi nancing from the LDC Fund

and other donors. Th ey are (i) Artifi cial Lowering of Th orthomi lake, implemented by DGM, (ii)

GLOF hazard zoning- Disaster, implemented by Department of Disaster Management, and (iii)

Installation of early warning system for Phochhu, implemented by DHMS. Th e other six projects

that were reviewed and integrated in the NAPA-2 program for implementation include (i) fl ood

and landslides risk reduction in Phuentsholing, (ii) enhancing community resilience to climate

risks through building or rehabilitating water harvesting structures, water storage and distribution

facilities in water-scarce villages, and improving the information base for water management,

and (iii) Improving the quality, analysis and dissemination of climate information. A project

on gathering detailed information for local water management is being piloted in the districts

of Mongar, Pemagatshel, Samtse and Tsirang. Th ough these projects are not specifi cally located

in Wangchhu basin, the experiences and outcomes are relevant for local water management in

Wangchhu basin too.

Wang Integrated River Basin Management Plan:25 Th e Social Forestry Division of the

Department of Forest in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forest prepared the Wang Integrated

River Basin Management Master Plan in 2008, with the stated objective to give strategic guidance

to policies, decision-making and lobbying. It identifi ed all stakeholder agencies and provided

directions on the role of each agency, as well as coordination arrangements needed for successful

achievement of objectives. Th e Plan provided broad strategic actions, whereas the individual

agencies were expected to identify suitable implementation activities.

However, the Master Plan was not implemented and has in fact been superseded by a system

of rapid watershed classifi cation done for Wangchhu in 2011 by the Watershed Management

Division under the Department of Forests and Park Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and

Forests (see Chapter 3.1.4.).

2014

24 National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA), http://www.adaptation-undp.org/search/node/bhutan

25 Wang Integrated River Basin Management Plan, Social Forestry Division, Department of Forest, MOA, 2008

46

Sensitization workshops:26 A great number of sensitization workshops were held for local leaders

throughout the country including Wangchhu basin in the period 2013-2015, and an inventory

was prepared of water-related issues. Th e fi ndings for Wangchhu basin showed that nearly all

Gewogs in the basin do experience one or another issue related to water, mostly related to lack of

water (access). Th e causes and extent of the problems have not been stated.

Paro Valley Geo-technical Investigation:27 A geo-technical investigation was completed in 2015.

It studied the nature of slopes, the types of exposed rocks, ground conditions such as presence of

sinking and marshy areas, and risks that the site is exposed to due to fl ooding and landslides. It

concluded that Paro valley is topographically stable and is not likely to experience landslides in the

near future with possible exception at the periphery near Satsam and Chorten. No groundwater

was encountered in the soil pits, but there was no indication of their depth. It was mentioned

however that in the lower parts of Paro valley water seeped into construction pits at a depth of 4

meter with coarse-grained (not clayey soils).

It was concluded that the soils are suitable for development activities, and no major settlement

problems are expected in Paro valley. Th e main risks identifi ed to development related to inundation

from the river and earthquakes. Th e criteria recommended for hazard mapping were fl ood map,

geological map, river buff er and slope variables.

Th e study established a need to complement the existing river training works such as repair of the

Reno mattress gabion along high impact zones along Pachhu and Dochhu. Th e cost was estimated

at Nu. 133.6 million.

2.5. Basin Management Scheme

Coordination through the Water Security Index

Th e coordination framework is provided by the Bhutan Water Security Index (BWSI) system. It

measures on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (very good) the degree to which water resources and related

services are developed, as measured across fi ve key dimensions:28

1. Rural drinking water supply, sanitation and hygiene

2. Economic water utilization for agriculture, industries and hydropower

3. Urban water supply, sanitation and drainage

4. Environmental water security

5. Disaster preparedness and climate change resilience

26 RSPN, 2015

27 Paro Valley geotechnical investigation, Budes, MOWHS, 2015

28 See the National IWRM Plan, and the stand-alone supporting documents titled: Bhutan Water Security Index, and Bhutan Water

Security Index System: User’s Manual.

47

Th e present score of the Bhutan Water Security Index under the fi ve key dimensions is given

for Wangchhu basin and at national level in Table 18 and Figure 30. As can be seen, the average

score for Bhutan across the fi ve water security dimensions is 3.08, and for Wangchhu basin the

average score is 3.34.

Table 18: Score of the Water Security Index 2016

Key Dimension Wangchhu basin National level

1. Rural household water supply, sanitation and hygiene 4.5 3.5

2. Economic water security 2.1 2.0

3. Urban water supply and drainage 2.8 2.8

4. Environmental water security 3.4 4.0

5. Resilience to climate change and water-related disasters 3.9 3.1

Average Score 3.34 3.08

Figure 30: Water Security Index 2016

49

3. SIT UAT ION ANALYSIS

Th is chapter fi rst analyses a number of stress factors related to water management in Wangchhu

basin, ranging from basin-specifi c impact of climate change, water scarcity at Gewog level, fl ood-

prone areas, critical watersheds, limitations and impacts of hydropower development, to water

governance issues. Th e chapter also presents a problem analysis and strategy development based

on a participatory logical framework analysis with the incumbent WBC members and other

stakeholders.

3.1. Stress factors in water management

3.1.1. Climate cxhange and its impacts on hydrology

Climate change

Th e longer-term climate change projections derived from climate modelling, show an increasing

trend in annual rainfall toward the 2060s, especially in the south as shown in Figure 31.29

Figure 31: Projected long-term change in precipitation for RCP 4.5

According to the climate change projections, the average temperature is also expected to rise, as

shown in Figure 32.

29 RCP4.5 stands for a climate scenario with curbed greenhouse gas emissions

50

Figure 32: Projected rise in average temperature for RCP 4.5

Th e number of consecutive dry days (precipitation less than 1 mm/ day) is expected to increase

very little until 2040 with values around 35 days for the southern foothills, 40 days for the inner

Himalayas and 60 days for the higher Himalayas.

Th ere was no clear trend found in future evapotranspiration.

Impacts on hydrology

Th e average monthly and maximum outfl ows of the Wangchhu basin are expected to increase

(Figure 33 and 34), based on hydrological assessments with increased rainfall and temperature

following from climate change projections. Th e fi gures represent two climate change scenarios,

RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5.30, 31

(a) RCP 4.5 (b) RCP 8.5

Figure 33: Average monthly outfl ows of Wangchhu basin over time

30 RCP stands for Representative Concentration Pathway, a climate change scenario which depends on the quantity of greenhouse

gases emitted into the atmosphere. RCP 4.5, one of the scenarios, represents stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions, whereas

RCP8.5 stands for a signifi cantly larger increase in such emissions.

31 For details, see stand-alone supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessments for Bhutan.

51

(a) RCP 4.5 (b) RCP 8.5

Figure 34: Monthly maximum outfl ows of Wangchhu basin over time

Th e impact of climate change on high fl ows can also be expressed in terms of frequency of

occurrence, as shown in Table 19 and Figure 35. For example: the 100-year return-period fl ood

event for the period 1976-2005 is projected to occur once every fi ve years on average by the 2060s

because of climate change. An alternative perspective is that historically there was a 1% chance on

average that a peak fl ow of 1,275 m3/s would be experienced annually however in the future, with

the impacts of climate change, there will be a 20% chance the same peak fl ow will be experienced

annually. Similarly, a once-in-fi fty-year fl ood (2% chance) is projected to increase from 1,189 m3/s

at present to a projected 1,498 m3/s in 2030s and further to 1,818 m3/s by 2060s.

Th e implication is that fl ood zonation and fl ood protection measures that are traditionally designed

as per present return periods would under-estimate future fl ows by about 50% during the 2060s!

Table 19: Outfl ows of Wangchhu and

corresponding return periods

Return Period

(yr)

Flow in m3/s

1976-

2005

2016-

2045

2046-

2075

5 895 1,112 1,280

10 987 1,233 1,448

25 1,103 1,385 1,661

50 1,189 1,498 1,818

100 1,275 1,611 1,975

Figure 35: Present and projected monsoon outfl ows of

Wangchhu for various return periods

Conversely, for the lean season there is no clear change in monthly minimum outfl ow (Figure

36). But Figure 37 shows that smaller fl ows will occur more frequently in future, although the

minimum fl ow itself (32 m3/s) would not decrease.

52

(a) RCP 4.5 (b) RCP 8.5

Figure 36: Monthly minimum outfl ows of Wangchhu basin over time

(a) RCP 4.5 (b) RCP 8.5

Figure 37: Frequencies of minimum outfl ows of the Wangchhu basin during the lean season

Figure 37 shows for example for the worse-case scenario (RCP 8.5) the minimum fl ow will remain

at 32 m3/s, but its frequency of occurring increases from 4 to 9, whereas the frequency of fl ows of

35m3/s would decrease from 3 to 1. However, this shift towards lesser fl ows is accompanied by a

low frequency of high outfl ow (39 m3/s) that so far did not occur.

Given the limited number of climatic stations, the impact of climate change on hydrology could

realistically only be assessed at basin level, and not at sub-basin level.32

3.1.2. Anecdotal Water-scarcity

Water scarcity in the basin has been widely reported in the media. Th is issue has been investigated

in four ways:

2. A questionnaire survey in all Gewogs in Wangchhu.

3. Calculation of the total amount of water available per person per year (Falkenmark Index).

4. Calculation of the total volume of water available per Gewog.

5. Calculation of the fraction of water consumed in future as compared with water available per Gewog.

32 Bhutan is represented by only 21 Aphrodite stations.

53

Th is issue is elaborated in the following paragraphs.33

Gewog questionnaire

An IWRM questionnaire was completed by all Gewogs in Wangchhu basin in 2015. Th e Gewogs

reported that 65 villages in the basin were experiencing seasonal water shortage. Paro district

suff ers most with 40 villages reporting seasonal water scarcity (see Figure 38). In particular, the

Gewogs of Wangchang, Dogar, and Shaba in Paro stand-out as the most water scarce, followed by

Mewang Gewog in Th imphu.

It should be noted that this is only a qualitative inventory; it does not assess the magnitude or

frequency of the scarcity.

Figure 38: Number of villages having seasonal water shortage per Gewog

Information about groundwater is sparse and inconclusive not just for Wangchhu but also at

the national level. Consequently, the government does not encourage groundwater exploitation34.

Nevertheless, there are various reports of groundwater potential, concentrated in Paro district in

the Gewogs of Shari (5), Lango (4), Shaba (3), Wangchang (1 in Bondey town). In Th imphu

district the use of groundwater has been reported in Mewang Gewog (1 for a school), see Figure

39. It appears that groundwater is being tapped in areas that have been assessed in this report as

potentially water-scarce.

33 Th e details of calculations are given in the stand-alone supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessments for Bhutan.

34 Geo-electrical survey in Paro area, Bhutan, CEGR-Kathmandu, 2015?

54

Figure 39: Th e number of villages per Gewog reportedly exploiting groundwater

UN-Falkenmark index

Th e United Nations (UN) has adopted the Falkenmark (1989) criterion which assumes that a

region is experiencing overall water abundance when the average amount of water per capita per

year is over 1,700 m3. Th ere is stress when annual water supplies drop below 1,700 m3 per person.

When annual water supplies drop below 1,000 m3 per person, the population faces water scarcity,

and below 500 m3 per year there is “absolute scarcity”.35 Th is is given in Table 20, along with the

litre/capita/day equivalent values.

Table 20: UN-Falkenmark criteria for water availability

Classifi cationWater available

(m3/capita/year)

Water available

(litre/capita/day)

Abundance > 1,700 > 4,657

Stressed < 1,700 < 4,657

Scarcity < 1,000 < 2,740

Absolute scarcity < 500 < 1,370

Th is index is typically used in assessments on a regional scale where the data is readily available

and provides results that are easy to understand.36 However, the use of regional averages tends to

obscure important scarcity information at smaller time intervals and local spatial variations.37

Hence in deviation of the standard practice, the index was applied under the following conditions:

• Th e driest month of the year (January) instead of the whole year.

• At Gewog level instead of at national level.

35 http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml

36 Amber Brown and Marty D. Matlock. A Review of Water Scarcity Indices and Methodologies, University of Arkansas, Th e

Sustainability Consortium, White Paper #106, April 2011.

37 Rijsberman, 2006

55

• For the 80%-dependable water availability (minimum fl ow expected to occur on average

four out of fi ve years) instead of the average water availability (occurring on average once

every two years).

• Th e index was calculated for the year 2015 and 2030, taking into account the growth of

population as indicated in Section 2, and rate of economic development.

• Th e water availability at Gewog level in 2030 was assumed to be the same as in 2015,

because future hydrological assessments proved inaccurate at smaller scale than basin level.

Given the expected impact of climate change on hydrology this assumption was considered

to be sound.

• Infl ow from upstream of the areas was not considered.

Th e results of the dependable water availability per Gewog in the basin per capita per day during

the driest month (January) for 2015 and projected for 2030 are given in Table 21.

Table 21: Falkenmark index for 80%-dependable water availability per capita during the lean month of January

in 2015 and 2030

UN-Falkenmark index for internal dependable runoff water

2015 2030 Legend

CHUKA CHUKHA stre ss < 1,700 m3/ c/ yr or < 4657 l/c/d

scarce < 1,000 m3/ c/ yr or < 2740 l/c/d

ab solute scarce < 500 m3/ c/ yr or < 1400 l/c/d

Haa Haa NB Inflow from upstream is not cons idered

Katsho

Paro Paro

Hungrel Hungrel

Lango Lango

Shari Shari

Wangchang Wangchang

THIMPHU THIMPU

Chang Chang

Kawang Kawang

Basin Basin

Table 21 allows for the following observations:

• Th ere would be absolute scarcity in Wangchang in 2015 and 2030.

• Chang would have scarcity in 2015 that worsens to absolute scarcity in 2030.

• Kawang has scarcity in 2015 and 2030.

56

• Hungrel, Lango and Shari have stress in 2015 and 2030.

• Katsho would have water stress in 2030.

However, all Gewogs have ample water supply if infl ow from upstream is also considered. But

accessibility may be a problem.

Net water balance by 2030

Th e 2030 net water balance simply deducts the additional future water demand from the

80%-dependable available water.38 Th e bigger the balance amount expressed in million m3

(MCM), the larger volume of water is left un-used. Since there is no objective norm for the

net water balance it has been assumed generously that 1 MCM per month is the threshold for

potential water stress.39 Only the months of January, May and June were considered; January

because it is the driest month of the year, May and June because high irrigation water demand for

transplanting paddy may exceed the natural increase of water availability.

Th e fi gures have been plotted for the months of January, May and June in Figures 40 to 42.

Th e Gewogs

of Bongo

and Getena

appear to have

ample water,

but Metakha,

Dungna and

Geling are low

on water.

Th e Gewogs

of Bjee and

perhaps Samar

have ample

water, but

Katsho and

Eusu have little

water.

38 For details see supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessment for Bhutan.

39 One MCM is enough water to supply 740,000 people with drinking water for the period of one month at the present rural norm

@ 45 litres per capita per day.

57

Only Tsento

Gewog appears

to have ample

water. Hungrel,

Wangchang,

and Shari are

low on water.

Th e balance is

most favorable

in Naro

Gewog.

Lingzhi and

Geney have

little water.

Figure 40: Water balance per Gewog in January (critical for drinking water supply).

Th e Gewogs

of Bongo,

Dala and

Getena have

some surplus,

whereas

Dungna and

Metakha have

less.

Katsho Gewog

seems stressed,

but Samar has

surplus.

58

Only Tsento

Gewog has

ample water in

May.

Hungrel,

Lango,

Shari and

Wangchang

have less water.

Geney, Chang

and Lingzhi

are tight. Only

Naro has some

surplus.

Figure 41: Water balance per Gewog for May (critical for irrigation)

Th e balance

in Dungna

and Metakha

Gewog is

very low,

whereas

Bongo has

surplus.

Th e water

is tight in

Katsho

Gewog

59

Only Tsento

Gewog has

surplus,

whereas

Hungrel,

Wangchang,

Shari are low.

Naro Gewog

is best off ,

Geney worst.

Figure 42: Water balance per Gewog for June (critical for irrigation)

Figures 40 to 42 serve to locate areas suff ering from water shortages and where opportunities

may exist for water development for drinking supply or irrigation, subject to further detailed

hydrological and engineering investigations.

Percentage of dependable water used for consumption by 2030

Th is approach assesses water scarcity by expressing the additional demand for water by 2030 as

a percentage of the 80% dependable net water presently available (water generated within each

Gewog per month minus present demand). Delivery effi ciency has been assumed for irrigation

water (40%) as well as domestic water (40%). In the absence of a generally accepted norm it has

been assumed that 10% is the threshold value for potential water stress. Th e results are given

for January (critical month for drinking water supply) and May and June (critical months for

irrigation) in Table 22.

60

Table 22: Percentage of 80%-dependable water used for consumption by 2030

Area JAN MAY JUN

Chhukha 3.7 1.0 0.5

peak Gewog demand 5.2 Dala 1.9 Dungna 1.4 Dungna

Haa 0.4 0.3 0.15

peak Gewog demand 6.2 Samar 6.1 Katsho 3.3 Katsho

Paro 3.4 5.5 5.4

peak Gewog demand 30.2 Wangchang 16.6 Wangchang 15.7 Wangchang

with infl ow 0.7 Wangchang 0.4 Wangchang 0.8 Wangchang

Th imphu 4.6 3.0 2.6

peak Gewog demand 19.6 Chang 11.6 Chang 10.8 Chang

with infl ow 4.4 Chang 1.5 Chang 1.1 Chang

Basin 3.4 2.2 1.6

Th e table shows that:

• At basin-level the additional water consumption by 2030 would take only a few percent of

the dependable water.

• At district-level the additional consumption by 2030 would be about 5.5% of the dependable

water in Paro during the months of May and June.

• At Gewog-level the additional consumption would consume up to 30% of runoff in

Wangchang and 20% in Chang in January.

• None of the Gewogs has any water stress if infl ow from upstream areas into the Gewog is

also considered and can be accessed.

Interpretation of results

Th e diff erent approaches yield the ranked (potential) water-scarce areas as given in Tables 23 and

24. As can be seen, Wangchang, Chang, Hungrel and Shari rank high in potential water scarcity,

but other Gewogs like Kawang and Katsho should not be discarded. Th e ranking should not be

over-rated because diff erent assumptions (most notably regarding irrigated areas) can signifi cantly

change the ranking.

61

Table 23: Ranked potentially water-stressed Gewogs identifi ed under diff erent methodologies

RankingScarcity

survey

Groundwater

survey

Water

disputes

survey

Falkenmark

Index

Demand

ratio >10%

Water

balance

< 1 MCM

1 Wangchang Shari Shari Wangchang Wangchang Hungrel

2 Dogar Lango Lango Chang Chang Wangchang

3 Mewang Shaba Wangchang Kawang Shari

4 Shaba Wagchang Mewang Lango Lango

5 Shari Mewang Hungrel Metakha

6 Lango Katsho Lingzhi

7 Shari Katsho

8 Eusu

9 Geney

Table 24: Gewogs in Wangchhu basin with the highest potential for water stress

Rank

Method1 2 3 4

Questionnaires Wangchang Dogar Mewang Shaba

Falkenmark Wangchang Chang Kawang Shari

Hungrel

Demand ratio Wangchang Chang Shari Kawang

Water balance Hungrel Wangchang Shari Katsho

Overall Wangchang Chang Hungrel Shari

Th e Gewogs with highest potential for water stress are given in Table 24, and depicted in Figure

43.

62

Figure 43: Gewogs with potential for water stress

Th e results shown in Table 23 and Table 24 show that water scarcity is not obvious when looking

at larger areas, notably basins and districts. Overall there may be suffi cient water at the basin and

district scale, however it may not be accessible at all locations within the district, as shown in the

large diff erences in available water at Gewog level (Table 16). Th e fact that water stress within a

Gewog can easily be compensated by infl ow from upstream areas proves that this water is only

available in the main streambed of the river – which may be tens of kilometres away and/ or

hundreds of meters below the hill sites where people need it. Th is shows the diff erence between

physical and economic water scarcity. Possible mitigating measures: (i) pump water over the

required distance/ elevation; (ii) store water at upstream locations for local use by means of small

dams or ponds; (iii) tap groundwater if the geology and terrain permit; (iv) improve the effi ciency

of water use in order to reduce the demand; and (v) reduce the demand itself.

Potential sites for check-dams

Th e Water Resources Management Plan of 2003 stated that multi-purpose reservoirs are generally

not feasible.40 Th is also seems to be the conclusion that will be drawn by the Water Risk Assessment

40 Water Resources Management Plan and Update of the Power System Master Plan of Bhutan, Department of Energy, Ministry of

63

study recently being undertaken under the ‘Living Himalayas Initiative’ sponsored by the World

Wildlife Foundation (document not yet published at this point).

On the other hand, the Environmental Impact Assessment study for the proposed Wangchhu

hydropower plant has suggested a considerable number of potential sites for small dams throughout

the basin as part of the catchment treatment measures, see Figure 44.41

Source: Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for Wangchhu HEP (570 MW) Bhutan, Wapcos, 2014, Volume 2 – Final EMP

Figure 44: Proposed catchment area treatment measures, including check-dams.

3.1.3. Flood-prone areas

Areas that are prone to monsoon fl ooding have been determined in three ways:

i. by Gewog questionnaire

Trade and Industries, RGOB, 2003.

41 Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for Wangchhu HEP (570 MW) Bhutan, Wapcos, 2014, Volume 2 –

Final EMP.

64

ii. by hydrological modelling in HEC-RAS

iii. by using Geographical Information System (GIS)

Th e fi ndings are presented in the following paragraphs.

Gewog questionnaire

Th e Gewogs in Wangchhu basin reported in an IWRM questionnaire in 2015 that, in total,

45 locations in Wangchhu basin are susceptible to fl ooding. Th e number of villages aff ected by

fl ooding is shown in Figure 45.

Figure 45: Diagram showing number of fl ood-prone areas reported per Gewog.

As can be seen, the Gewogs of Doteng, Lango, Shaba and Tsento in Paro district; and Gewog

Bjee in Haa district reported the highest number of fl ood incidences. Th is, however, provides no

information on the extent or severity of fl ooding (depth and duration).

Flood modelling

Hydrological models such as HEC-HMS (for stream fl ow analysis) and HEC-RAS (for water

levels) were used in the study to assess fl ood prone areas.42 Th e simulated fl ood fl ows corresponding

to return periods of 25, 50 and 100 years for Haachhu at Haa, Parochhu at Nyemezampa, and

Th imphuchhu at Lungtenphug were used to estimate water levels. Th e vicinity of the towns of Haa,

Paro and Th imphu were chosen to assess fl ood hazard, given their proximity to rivers. Chhukha

was ignored as it does not have any fl ood risk from the main river. Details of each of these locations

and the results are discussed below. A summary of fl ood-prone areas per district is given in Table

25. Th e 100 year return period was taken as the worst case scenario, based on historic fl ow records.

42 Refer to standalone supporting document titled: Hydrological Modelling and water resource assessment in Bhutan

65

It does not account for the impacts of projected climate change which require further analysis.43

Table 25: Summary of fl ood-prone areas in Wangchhu

DistrictGewog Flood-prone area

Haa Uesu• Some schools, residential homes, agricultural fi elds

• Haa proper town is also shown to have some risk

Paro

Tsento • Th e villages behind Drukgyel Dzong

Hungrel• Downstream the confl uence towards the base of the Rimpung

Dzong

Shaba • Near the riverside

Th imphuChang/

Kawang

• Lower parts of Pamtsho by the river

• Hejo near the Crematorium

• Langjophakha near Ludrong Garden opposite to the Dzong

• part of the urban road after the Lingkarna bridge/ royal garage

• Part of Centenary Farmers’ Market and Changlimithang

Stadium

• Coronation Park

• Chanjiji Football stadium

• Pelkhil School ground

• lower part of Olakha workshop complex

• Hotel Terma Linca

• Lower parts of Ramtokto and

• Lower agricultural land in Kharsadrapchu area.

Flood Hazard of Haa district

For Haa, the stretch of river starting from Damthang to the end of Haa valley at Tshaphel village

of Uesu Gewog was modelled in HEC RAS with a river length of about 20 km. Th e image for

Haa was from Google Earth as no other satellite image was available. Th e Digital Elevation Model

(DEM) used was based on the 90m resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission satellite imagery.

Based on the projected 100 year fl ood of 62.5 m3/s, the HEC RAS model was set up and the

fl ooding hazard was assessed. According to the observations in Figure 46, some schools, residential

homes, agricultural fi elds fall under the yellow zone with fl ood depths of up to 2 meters. Haa

town is also shown to have some risk. It should be noted that most parts of the town now have a

river embankment, which was not there when the digital elevation map was produced. In any case

43 Th e impact of climate change cannot be reliably assessed at scale smaller than the basin with the data presently available. Th at is

why local fl ood hazards caused by climate change were not assessed in the context of the WBMP.

66

the hazard map does give an indication that there are a number of potentially dangerous places

along the Haa River that require protection. It is recommended that a more in-depth hazard

assessment be carried out as part of the basin plan implementation, with fi eld measurements of

river banks, courses and confi rmation of the digital terrain. Th e fi ndings presented here were based

on desk study and they need fi eld confi rmation before fl ood protection works are considered to be

implemented. Indeed, the Department of Engineering Services under the Ministry of Works and

Human Settlement has recently started working on some fi eld measurements and in-depth fl ood

modelling in the area.44

Figure 46: Map of fl ood-prone areas in Haa district

Flood Hazard in Paro district

Th e peak fl ows at Nyemezampa in Paro, which is on the main river, after the confl uence of

Dotengchhu and main Parochhu, was analyzed. Th e 100 year fl ood of magnitude 378 m3/s was

used to determine the extent of fl ooding. Th e stretch of Parochhu from Gunitsawa to Tshongdue,

44 Personal Communication with Ms. Kunzang Choden, TAC Member, Flood Engineering and Management Division, DES,

FEMD, June 2015.

67

Dotey (near Kuenga HSS) to Tshongdue and Tshongdue to Isuna with a total length of about

45 km was analyzed. Based on the analysis it is found that a lot of the Paro valley is under fl ood

threat, although parts of the river banks are fairly well protected. However, there are defi nitely

parts of the valley that need more attention and study, such as the villages in Tsento Gewog behind

Drukgyel Dzong, Parts of Hungrel Gewog after the confl uence towards the base of the Rimpung

Dzong, parts of Woochu, and Shaba near the riverside. A fl ood hazard assessment of the valley

has been done by Department of Human Settlement. It showed almost the same areas at risk. Th e

fl ood hazard map for Paro is shown in Figures 47 and 48.

Figure 47: Map of fl ood-prone areas in Paro district

68

Figure 48: Flood-prone areas in Paro district

Flood Hazards in Th imphu district

Th e projected 100-year fl ood of magnitude 512 m3/s at Lungtenphug was used to determine the

fl ood extent and depth in Th imphu valley. A DEM of 5m resolution with ortho-corrected satellite

image for Th imphu was used for working on the stretch of Th imphuchhu from Dechencholing to

Kharsadrapchu.45 46 Th e stretch Olarungchhu from Semtokha to Olakha was also analysed which

makes the total length of the river analysed to about 26 km.

45 Courtesy Th imphu Th romde, GIS Section.

46 Courtesy Department of Human Settlement, MOWHS, Th imphu.

69

According to the fl ood extent mapping it is clear that quite a few places in Th imphu are prone

to a 100 year fl ood (a fl ood with return period of 100-year has 1% chance of occurrence in any

given year). Some of the notable places include parts of Pamtsho by the river, Hejo near the

Crematorium, Langjophakha near Ludrong Garden opposite to the Dzong, part of the urban road

after the Lingkarna bridge/ royal garage, Part of Centenary Farmers’ Market and Changlimithang

Stadium along with Coronation Park, Chanjiji Football stadium, Pelkhil School ground, lower part

of Olakha workshop complex, Hotel Terma Linca and parts of Ramtokto and some agricultural

land in Kharsadrapchu area. Th e fl ood hazard map for Th imphu is shown in Figures 49 to 52.

Th e analysis above was based on historical records. Th e impact of climate change will worsen

the fl ood risks as explained in section 3.1.1 and should be taken into account when mitigating

measures are considered.

Figure 49: Map of fl ood-prone areas in Th imphu town

70

Figure 50: Field view of fl ood-prone area near Jang-Ji sports ground in Th imphu

Figure 51: Existing River bank protection near Coronation Park, Th imphu

Coronation Park/ Changlimithang National Stadium’s river protection by Thimphu chhu

71

Figure 52: Flood-prone areas in Th imphu district

72

GIS-based method

Th e fl ood modelling methodology described above was supplemented by simpler analysis using

GIS in order to cover a larger study area.47 Th e GIS results appear to match well with the fi ndings

of hydrological fl ood modelling. Th e results of the GIS-based method for identifying fl ood-prone

areas are given in Figure 53.

Figure 53: Map showing fl ood-prone areas in Wangchhu basin, based on GIS method

47 For details see supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessment for Bhutan.

73

3.1.4. Critical watersheds

As replacement for the Watershed Master Plan mentioned in Chapter 2, the Watershed

Management Division under the Department of Forests and Park Services of the Ministry of

Agriculture and Forests prepared a system of rapid watershed classifi cation for Wangchhu in 2011.

Th e main objectives were:

• to identify critical watersheds within the Wangchhu basin,

• to set up a baseline for water discharge from various streams, and

• to prepare a Critical Watershed Management Plan for each of the critical watersheds identifi ed.

Th e report states that most of the watersheds in Bhutan are in pristine condition, hence there is no

need to develop a master plan for each basin. A more cost-eff ective strategy would be to focus on

‘critical’ watersheds where attention is most needed, and to periodically monitor the watersheds

that are still in “normal” condition. Together, the watersheds management plan for the critical

watersheds would constitute a master plan. Th e report concludes the following for Wangchhu

basin:48

• Th e upstream watershed conditions (Haa, Paro, Th imphu) are much better than the

downstream (Chhukha).

• Th e sub-watersheds under Haa Dzongkhag are mostly in pristine conditions and only need

a precautionary approach.

• Th e sub-watersheds under Paro Dzongkhag need periodical monitoring as they are mostly

in the “normal” class.

• Th e sub-watersheds under Th imphu Dzongkhag need strong periodical monitoring; a

precautionary management approach is recommended, including need to develop critical

watershed management plan.

• Th e sub-watersheds under Chhukha Dzongkhag need more attention especially watershed

number 158 which requires critical watershed management plan to be prepared.

• Only two watersheds are classifi ed as critical: number 158 and 67.

Th e watersheds in Wangchhu basin identifi ed by WMD are shown in Figure 54.49

48 Rapid classifi cation of watersheds in Wangchhu basin, Watershed Management Division, Department of Forests and Parks

Services, MOAF, 2011

49 Th e watersheds identifi ed by WMD correspond reasonably well with the sub-catchment areas delineated for hydrological

assessments mentioned in chapter 2.

74

Figure 54: Watersheds in Wangchhu basin as delineated by WMD

Watershed 158

Th is watershed covers most of downstream of Wangchhu. It has an area of 712 km2 (71,196

ha). It covers the township of Tshimasham, Chhukha Hydropower Project, Gedu town, Tala

Hydropower Project, and Bhutan Board Products in Darla in addition to numerous communities.

It covers 8 Gewogs of Bongo, Bjachho, Darla, Geling, Chapcha, and portions of Metap, Getana

and Dungna under Chhukha Dzongkhag.

Watershed 67

Th is watershed is classifi ed as “critical by function”, because it is used as a drinking water source

for Th imphu; it is not critical by conditions of the watershed. It falls under Th imphu Dzongkhag

and has an area of 225 km2 (22,487 ha). It covers the capital city of Th imphu and its surrounding

areas. Th e two Gewogs that are located in the watershed are Kawang (18,480 ha) and Chang

(3952 ha); parts of Mewang, Kabjisa and Toepisa are also located in this watershed.

3.1.5. Limitations and impacts of hydropower development

Th ere are two large existing run-off -the river power plants in the Wangchhu basin at Tala (1,020

MW) and Chhukha (336 MW). Th e hydrographs on those locations have been plotted in Figure

55, along with the fl ow requirements of the respective turbines.

75

Figure 55: Th e hydrographs at Tala and Chhukha (Chimakoti) power stations compared with the requirements

of their generators

Figure 55 shows that the stream fl ow varies strongly over the year. During the wet season there is

enough fl ow to drive all six generators from June up to October. From November to April not all

generators can be operated and around February there may not be enough fl ow to drive even one

generator. Th is shows that the large seasonal variation of stream fl ow limits the effi ciency of power

generation. Th is could be improved by building large water storage dams, but these would have

negative side eff ects on the natural environment, such as inundation of land with decomposition

of vegetation, interrupting the movement of migratory fi sh, changing the temperature and silt

content of the water. Large dams could also pose a risk of failure considering that Bhutan is prone

to earthquakes.

For the hydropower station under construction at Bongo, 439 ha will be acquired of which 388 ha

is forest land and 50 ha is private. Th irty four hectares of agricultural land will be lost, including

0.8 ha of irrigated area.50

For the proposed hydropower station at Bhunakha, 820 ha of land would have to be acquired, of

which 796 ha is forest area, 2 ha is government land and 23 ha is agricultural land.

3.1.6. Water quality

Water quality is generally good, but is deteriorating within and downstream of the Th imphu and

Paro urban centres. Th e causes of water pollution are car workshops spilling oil and waste water,

insuffi cient sewage water treatment, and solid waste disposal.

50 Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Studies For Wangchu HEP (570 MW), WAPCOS, India, 2014

76

At present there is no regular and systematic monitoring of ambient water quality in Bhutan. Th e

WQMS of WRCD, NECs is a two-person section that started basic operations in 2011-2012.

Th e section has a water quality laboratory capable of doing all necessary basic water quality tests.

It does conduct random and isolated water quality measurements around the country, and more

regular and focused in Th imphu but this is not adequate. Sites for water quality sampling are given

in Figure 28 and 29 for respectively ambient and effl uent water. Th ere is also lack of manpower,

equipment and systems in place to meet the requirements. Th erefore, it is proposed that NECS

work with competent authorities in order to establish a network of water quality monitoring

stations across the country and collect water quality data on a regular basis.51

3.1.7. Governance

While the concept of water resource management at the basin level has been there for a while,

the eff orts to institutionalize planning and implementation at the basin level is new. Until now,

no governance and institutional mechanisms exist to assess, plan and sustainably manage water at

the basin level. Planning and implementation of water use and management are sector based and

driven at the level of central agencies and district administrations. Th e practice of assessing water

resources for the basin as a whole and prioritizing allocations and interventions on the basis of water

balance is yet to be institutionalized. Focus of interventions in the water sector is primarily issue

based. Issues identifi ed at the local village levels are apprised through the Gewog Administration,

deliberated and prioritized at the district level for integration in the plans. However, long term

plans and large scale project interventions that require huge budget and skilled human resources

are handled by Ministries and agencies at the central level. Smaller projects dealing primarily with

construction of small water infrastructures, repair and maintenance of existing drinking water and

irrigation facilities are implemented by Dzongkhag and Gewog administrations. Th ese include

initiatives to address drinking water, sanitation and irrigation for rural villages and implemented

on cost sharing basis where local people provide manual labour while raw materials are procured

under the government's budgetary support.

Villages generally have traditional mechanisms of organizing into groups for addressing common

needs. In recent times, eff orts were made by the government to formalize such groups into Water

User Associations. However, not much progress has been achieved in sustaining such groups.

In urban areas, water supply and sanitation services are planned and provided by municipalities

under cost recovery mechanism through water pricing and service fees.

Budget for project interventions by central agencies and Dzongkhag administrations are based

on priorities outlined in the Five Year Plans. Annual budgets are prepared by respective agencies

and Dzongkhag and gewog administrations based on agreed Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key

Performance Indicators). Funds are channelled to central agencies and to the Dzongkhag and

Gewog Administrations based on annual budgets passed by the National Assembly.

With recent initiatives of the government to foster IWRM as per the Water Act and regulations,

the river basin has become the most logical unit for coordinated management of water resources

51 Refer to the stand-alone supporting document: Hydrological modelling and assessments in Bhutan.

77

(e.g., for proper water resources accounting and allocation). As such, a basin organization is the

most appropriate institutional mechanism for ensuring such coordination at the basin level. Th e

aim of coordination is to ensure that policies and programs in the basin—involving multiple

actors and stakeholders--are characterized by minimal redundancy, incoherence, confl ict and gaps.

Given that basin level planning, implementation and management of water resources are just

being initiated, institutional and governance mechanisms in the Wangchhu basin are constrained

by:

• Lack of coordination between agencies involved in, or aff ecting water management.

• Lack of capacity of agencies involved in water management.

• Lack of capacity in local government to deal with their work load.

• Subordinate role of Water Users Associations.

• Lack of data/ information and exchange.

Wangchhu is the fi rst basin where a RBC has been formed for improved planning, coordination

and management related to water resources. Strengthening the position of the RBC is of utmost

importance for the success of IWRM.

For instance, the RBC shall ensure that district-level plans do not compete for water and that they

remain within the total water available within the basin. If development plans are set to draw more

water than is available, RBC can fl ag the issue at NEC and GNHC – who in turn could block

certain plans so as to remain within the water available.

Chapter 6 of the Water Act mandates that RBCs shall be set up for the “purpose of proper

management of water resources.” Coordinated planning and development is the underlying

IWRM principle, and through a multi-stakeholder approach this coordination task is assigned to

an organization at the basin level.

Chapter 2, Section 6 of the Water Act states that a national integrated water resources management

plan shall be formulated for the “coordinated development, management, conservation and

effi cient use of water resources” and this shall serve as “a binding guideline for the preparation of

river basin management plans” (Chapter 5, Section 24).

Accordingly, the framework, composition, and terms of reference of RBCs was endorsed by the

NEC during its forty fi rst meeting held on 25 June 2015. An Executive Order to this eff ect was

issued on 14 April 2016 by the Prime Minister who is also the Chairman of NEC. Th e fi fteen-

member Wangchhu Basin Committee (WBC) is composed of the Chairperson of the Dzongkhag

Tshogdu (district development councils), Dzongdag (district governor) , DzEOs each from the

four Dzongkhags of Chhukha, Haa, Paro and Th imphu, the Th rompon (Mayor) and Chief

Environment O ffi cer of Th imphu Th romde (municipality) . Th e Chief Environment O ffi cer of

the WRCD of NECS,has been directed to serve as the member Secretary until further notice.

According to the Executive Order, the position of Chairperson shall rotate annually among the

78

four Dzongdags beginning with Haa Dzongdag. Th e NECS shall serve as the Secretariat to the

WBC with the understanding that (i) the WBC may have their respective Secretariat in the long

term; and (ii) the WBC shall report to NEC. A diagram showing the structure of the WBC is

shown in Figure 56.

Figure 56: Diagram of the WBC

3.1.8. Lack of understanding of dimensions of water management

IWRM sensitization workshops for local leaders

Sensitization workshops were held for local leaders throughout the country in the period 2013-

2015, and an inventory has been prepared of water-related issues. Th e list shows that nearly all

Gewogs in Wangchhu basin do experience one or another issue related to water, but it does not

provide any analysis or solution.

Role of local government and WUAs

Gewog administration and Water Users Associations (WUAs) take care of local water management

in daily practice, but at this level all dimensions of water-related issues are not always fully

understood. Climate change as a concept is unknown to many rural people. However, people

79

stated that there are adverse changes in the availability of water. Sustainable use, ensuring quality

of water, relationship with climate change, etc. are not issues of concern to the community as long

as there is water in the pipes.

Th ere is a need to make people more aware of water being a resource in wider socio- economic and

environmental perspective through information, education, and communication (IEC).52

3.1.9. Other water-related fi ndings

River bank protection works

Th e Gewogs responded in a questionnaire in 2015 about the number of river bank protection

works and their nearest village in the Gewog. Th e result is presented in the column chart in Figure

57.

Figure 57: Th e number of river bank protection works reported per Gewog

As can be seen, most riverbank protection works are concentrated in Paro district, particularly in

the Gewogs of Wangchang (9), Tsento (5), and Lango (5). Th ese Gewogs are all along the main

Paro river (Parochhu) without much elevation diff erence.

Th ere are eight riverbank protection works in Haa district. Th ese are also captured in the fl ood

hazard mapping carried out through the HEC RAS Flood Modelling work done by the TA.

Th e fl ood risks associated with the Parochhu and Haachhu are quite prominent and riverbank

protection works are already being carried out. Th ere also is a risk of fl ooding in Th imphu, but

most of the concerned areas are being taken care of by individual agencies and have been missed

by the survey respondents. More precise on-site investigations are required to assess the need for

future river training work.

Major water abstractions

According to the Gewog questionnaire survey, there are numerous major river water abstractions

for drinking water and/or irrigation, most notably in Haa district with Bjee Gewog (8) , in Paro

52 Th e details are given in the supporting stand-alone document: Social aspects of water management.

80

district in Doteng (6) and Lango (6) Gewog (Figure 58). Th ese abstractions need to be quantifi ed

and entered into the water accounting system (WEAP) that was established in NECS.

Figure 58: Th e number of major river water abstraction points reported per Gewog

Major water diversions

Th e Gewogs that reported existing water diversions are as follows: in Chukha district in Bjacho

Gewog (3) for hydropower stations; in Paro district in Hungrel Gewog (2) for drinking water and

Th imphu Gewog in Dagala (1 for drinking water) and Mewang (1 for mini hydropower station)

Gewog (Figure 59). Th e water diverted for consumptive use needs to be quantifi ed and entered

into the water accounting system (WEAP) that was established in NECS.

Figure 59: Th e number of major river water diversions reported per Gewog

Effl uent discharge

Untreated effl uent discharge has been reported in Chukha district in Darla Gewog (5), Paro

district in Lango (7), and Hungrel, Shaba, Tsento Gewog (1 each), and Haa district in Katsho

Gewog (2) as shown in Figure 60.

81

Figure 60: Th e number of effl uent discharge points reported per Gewog

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)

Th e risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods was reported in several Gewogs during the 2015 fi eld

survey. In Paro district, the risk was reported in seven villages of Doteng Gewog and in four villages

of Tsento Gewog (Figure 61). However, as indicated earlier in section 2.2, none of the glacial lakes

in the northern part of Wangchhu basin have been classifi ed as being at risk of outburst, and there

is no historical record of this happening before. Th e responses provided during the Gewogs survey

may be explained by the fact that the two tributaries of the Parochhu originate from glaciers. Th e

Gewogs of Doteng and Tsento are both the most upstream Gewogs and it is conceivable that

survey respondents did not diff erentiate between GLOF and monsoon fl ooding in glacier fed

rivers. Th e same explanation is valid for other Gewogs in Haa (Bjee) and Chhukha (Chapcha) and

Hungrel with one respondent in each of these Gewogs indicating a risk of GLOF. In Th imphu

district, the Gewogs of Lingzhi and Soe are located in altitude above 4000 m.a.s.l. and have glacial

lakes areas that local people might consider a threat.

Figure 61: Th e number of villages with GLOF-risk reported per Gewog

82

Water-related disputes

As shown in Figure 62, a number of disputes have been reported in the Gewog questionnaire,

concentrated in Paro district with Wangchang (5), Shaba (3) and Hungrel (3), Doteng, Lango,

Shari Geney, and Mewang (2 each). Th e disputes relate mostly to water sharing between old and

new settlements and between drinking water and irrigation. Th ey are concentrated in areas that

have been assessed as potentially water-scarce.

Figure 62: Number of water-related disputes reported per Gewog

Suitability of geological formations for groundwater aquifers

Th e geological map of Bhutan can be viewed on the internet.53 A snapshot showing Wangchhu basin

is given in Figure 63. Experience in cross-border areas in India and in similar geological formations

occurring in other regions of the Himalayas has shown that several geological formations have

varying potential of ground water availability depending upon their porosity, permeability and

hydro-geomorphological characteristics. Based on that experience, a very preliminary assessment

of the potential for groundwater development, based on the type of geological formation, from

higher to lower potential was reported as follows:54

1. Quaternary sediment.

2. Lesser Himalayan Zone-Gondwana succession (Permian) & Baxa Group (for spring

lines).

3. Siwalik Group (Miocene-Pliocene) - Upper member & Middle member.

4. Greater Himalayan Zone- Structurally-lower Greater Himalayan section (for spring

lines).53 http://www.pitt.edu/~nmcq/Long_etal_2011_JOM_Bhutan_Map_1-500k.pdf

54 M. Mehta, former Commissioner of the Ministry of Water Resources, GoI, e-mail communication 2 March 2016

83

5. Tethyan Himalayan Zone -Undiff erentiated (Paleozoic-Eocene).

Th e locations of the two most-promising formations have been investigated, and the results

are presented in Table 26. Th e geological subsoil and supposed potential for groundwater in

Dzongkhag capitals in Wangchhu basin is given in Table 27.

Table 26: Occurrence of geological formations with supposedly promising groundwater potential

Nr. Main Formation Symbol Wangchhu Bhutan

1 Quaternary sediment Qt No Sipsu area

2a Lesser Himalayan

Gondwana Pzg NoNarrow strip in extreme south -central east,

including Deothang

Jaishidanda PzjNarrow strip

passing GeduNarrow belt in the south

2b Baxa group

Phuentsholing Pzph NoNarrow strip in extreme south west, incl uding

Phuentsholing

Manas PzmBelt in the

south

Southern belt, including Sarpang, Gonphu,

Panbang, Pemagatshel

Table 27: Dzongkhag capitals in Wangchhu basin with their geological subsoil and supposed groundwater

potential

Nr. City Symbol on geological mapRank for groundwater

development

1 Haa Pzpu -

2 Chhukha GHlml 4

3 Paro Pzpu -

4 Th imphu GHlml 4

84

Figure 63: Snapshot of geological map of Bhutan for Wangchhu basin

3.2. Problem analysis and strategy development

Two Logical Framework Analysis workshops were held for Wangchhu basin with members of the

WBC and basin representatives. Th e fi rst workshop was held on 13-15 July on preparing problem

trees and solution trees related to the fi ve water security dimensions. Th e second workshop was

held on 14-16 October 2015 on formulating goals and objectives. Th e problem and strategy trees

against the fi ve Key Dimensions of water security, and for Th romdes as a separate group are given

in Appendix 3.

Th e success of interventions is measured along Key Performance Indictors. Th is logic is further

elaborated into plans and targets for each Key Dimension as discussed in the next chapter.

85

4. WANGCHHU BASIN PLAN

Th is chapter presents the plan expressed in Key Result Areas and Key Performance Indicators.

Baseline values and targets are provided with an explanation of the next steps to be taken.

4.1. Introduction

Th e plan formulation is based on the results of the participatory logical framework analysis that

was carried-out specifi cally for the Wangchhu basin. It is structured along the fi ve key dimensions

of the BWSI. Th e qualitative results are described in the following tables, specifying for each

Key Dimension of water security the Goal, Specifi c Objectives, Key Result Areas, Performance

Indicators (KPIs) and Main interventions at basin level. Th e KPIs following from the BWSI are

in italic font, to distinguish them from other performance indicators that have been identifi ed by

stakeholders during the Logical Framework Analysis exercise. Th e priority interventions are also

in italic font.

A number of the indicators of the BWSI are not actionable. An obvious example is the Coeffi cient

of Variation of rainfall. Th ese are used only for monitoring purposes and have not been elaborated

in the action plans and cost estimates.

Th e plans for the actionable indicators are elaborated for each district in Appendix 4, specifying

their baseline values, target values, estimated workload involved, and cost estimate against current

prices for respectively the 12th, 13th, and 14th FYP. Th e cost estimates were prepared by the District

Engineers and Planning Offi cers, and vetted by the Dzongdags and Tshogdus of the respective

districts in Wangchhu basin during a two-day workshop held on 20 and 21 April 2016.

Th e main quantitative fi ndings are summarized per intervention and per district under the tables

describing the qualitative plans. Th e tables are self-explanatory.

Th e role of the RBC is prominent in formulating the assumptions for planning across the basin

and for coordinating between stakeholders. An equitable development is pursued among the

district in most water security domains, but diff erentiation is accepted for example with respect to

hydropower development, expansion of irrigated areas in the respective districts.

Th e responsibilities of the Dzongkhag Administration and central agencies are in preparing and

implementing the FYPs. It may be noted that the budget estimates provided in this plan needs

to be reviewed and mobilized through GNHC for implementation. Th e proposed fi nancial

mechanism is to follow the existing process of planning and budgeting system. Once the priorities

are integrated into the FYPs, MOF will transfer the approved amounts to the respective districts

and central agencies. Th e role of WBC in coordinating the integration of the plans and securing

budget through district and line agencies and mechanism to mobilize resources for priorities that

emerge during the FYP implementation period is described later under section 4.3.

86

4.2

. W

ang

chh

u B

asin

Pla

ns

and

tar

get

s

Tab

le 2

8:

Pla

n f

or

KD

1-R

ura

l w

ater

sec

uri

ty

1.

Ru

ral

ho

use

ho

ld w

ate

r

secu

rity

Key

Res

ult

Are

asK

ey P

erfo

rman

ce I

nd

icat

ors

Mai

n I

nte

rven

tio

ns/

Pro

ject

s

Go

al: T

o i

mp

rove

an

d

pro

tect

ru

ral

dri

nk

ing

wat

er a

nd

san

itat

ion

in

Wan

gch

hu

bas

in

Spec

ific

ob

ject

ives

: •

Red

uce

mo

rbid

ity

and

mo

rtal

ity

rate

s

• Im

pro

ve t

he

qu

anti

ty a

nd

qu

alit

y o

f h

ou

seh

old

wat

er

sup

ply

• R

edu

ce t

he

inci

den

ce o

f

wat

er r

elat

ed d

isp

ute

s

• R

edu

ce d

rud

gery

in

wat

er

fetc

hin

g am

on

g w

om

en

and

ch

ild

ren

• Im

pro

ved

co

nd

itio

n

of

wat

er s

ou

rces

an

d

catc

hm

ents

• Im

pro

ved

acc

ess

to

alte

rnat

ive

dri

nk

ing

wat

er

sou

rces

• Im

pro

ved

man

agem

ent

of

rura

l w

ater

su

pp

ly

• In

crea

sed

acc

ess

to

imp

rove

d s

anit

atio

n

• P

erce

nt

of p

opu

lati

on w

ith

acc

ess

to p

iped

wa

ter

sup

ply

• P

erce

nt

of p

eop

le w

ith

wa

ter-

sea

led

sa

nit

ati

on

• In

cid

ence

of

dia

rrh

oea

• N

um

ber

of

wat

er s

ou

rces

revi

ved

• A

cces

s to

dri

nk

ing

wat

er i

n h

rs/

day

(%

)

• N

um

ber

of

wat

er u

ser

asso

ciat

ion

fo

rmed

• N

um

ber

of

smal

l re

serv

oir

s

and

rai

n w

ater

har

vest

ing

un

its

esta

bli

shed

• E

xpa

nd

pip

ed w

ate

r co

nn

ecti

ons

• E

xpa

nd

im

pro

ved

sa

nit

ati

on f

aci

liti

es

• D

evel

op a

nd

ap

ply

wa

ter

ha

rves

tin

g

tech

nol

ogie

s

• C

onst

ruct

wa

ter

rese

rvoi

rs a

nd

wel

ls

• C

arry

ou

t m

ass

affo

rest

atio

n a

nd

ref

ore

stat

ion

pro

gram

• C

arry

ou

t p

ub

lic

edu

cati

on

an

d a

war

enes

s o

n

catc

hm

ent

man

agem

ent

law

s an

d r

egu

lati

on

s

• Im

pro

ve l

ives

tock

man

agem

ent

to r

edu

ce t

he

imp

act

of

over

-gra

zin

g

• Im

pro

ve k

no

wh

ow

an

d t

ech

no

logy

to

acc

ess

wat

er s

ou

rces

• Im

pro

ve d

esig

n o

f w

ater

su

pp

ly s

yste

ms

to

red

uce

lo

sses

• O

rgan

ize

and

tra

in w

ater

use

r as

soci

atio

ns

87

Tab

le 29

: Estim

ated b

ud

get req

uirem

ents (M

illion

Ng

ultru

m) p

er interven

tion

for K

D1

- Ru

ral water secu

rity

Ma

in In

terv

en

tion

s for K

D1

: Ru

ral w

ate

r sec

urity

12

th F

YP

13

th F

YP

14

th F

YP

To

tal

Re

spo

nsib

le A

ge

nc

yR

em

ark

Exp

an

d p

iped

wa

ter c

on

nectio

ns

12

7.7

12

7.7

12

7.7

38

3.1

De

pa

rtme

nt o

f Pu

blic

He

alth

, MO

H

- Chukha

53

.65

3.6

53

.61

60

.8

- Haa

8.3

8.3

8.3

24

.9

- Paro

49

.24

9.2

49

.21

47

.7

- Thim

phu

16

.61

6.6

16

.64

9.7

Imp

ro

ve fu

nctio

na

lity o

f pip

ed

wa

ter s

yste

m9

5.3

95

.39

5.3

28

5.9

De

pa

rtme

nt o

f Pu

blic

He

alth

, MO

H

- Chukha

25

.92

5.9

25

.97

7.6

- Haa

4.9

4.9

4.9

14

.7

- Paro

60

.96

0.9

60

.91

82

.6

- Thim

phu

3.7

3.7

3.7

11

.1

Exp

an

d im

pro

ved

sa

nita

tion

facilitie

s4

59

.44

59

.44

59

.41

37

8.2

De

pa

rtme

nt o

f Pu

blic

He

alth

, MO

H

- Chukha

17

0.1

17

0.1

17

0.1

51

0.3

- Haa

35

.63

5.6

35

.61

06

.7

- Paro

21

5.9

21

5.9

21

5.9

64

7.6

- Thim

phu

37

.93

7.9

37

.91

13

.6

Develo

p a

nd a

pply

wate

r harv

estin

g te

chnolo

gie

s

Constru

ct w

ate

r reserv

oirs

and w

ells

Carry

out m

ass a

ffore

sta

tion a

nd re

fore

sta

tion p

rogra

m

Carry

out p

ublic

educatio

n a

nd a

ware

ness o

n c

atc

hm

ent

managem

ent la

ws a

nd re

gula

tions

Impro

ve liv

esto

ck m

anagem

ent to

reduce th

e im

pact o

f over-g

razin

g

Impro

ve k

now

how

and te

chnolo

gy to

access w

ate

r sourc

es

Impro

ve d

esig

n o

f wate

r supply

syste

ms to

reduce lo

sses

Org

aniz

e a

nd tra

in w

ate

r user a

ssocia

tions

Su

bto

tal

68

2.4

68

2.4

68

2.4

20

47

.2

Se

e K

D5

Provid

ing ru

ral ho

useh

old

s with

pip

ed w

ater sup

ply is a ro

utin

e activity of D

PH

-MO

H an

d th

e En

gineerin

g Secto

r of th

e Dzo

ngk

hag as

laid d

ow

n in

the F

YP

s. The sam

e ho

lds fo

r rural san

itation

, bu

t the b

enefi

ciaries shall b

ear half th

e cost. In

rural areas th

e focu

s is so far o

n

imp

roved latrin

es. A start w

ill be m

ade w

ith in

trod

uctio

n o

f water-sealed

toilets.

88

Tab

le 3

0:

Pla

n f

or

KD

2-E

con

om

ic w

ater

sec

uri

ty

2.

Eco

no

mic

Wat

er S

ecu

rity

Key

Res

ult

Are

asK

ey P

erfo

rman

ce I

nd

icat

ors

Mai

n I

nte

rven

tio

ns/

Pro

ject

s

Go

al: T

o m

axim

ize

eco

no

mic

ben

efits

der

ived

fro

m u

se o

f

wat

er r

eso

urc

es i

n W

angc

hh

u

bas

in,

and

en

sure

ad

equ

ate

and

sust

ain

able

ava

ilab

ilit

y

Spec

ific

ob

ject

ives

:

Max

imiz

e ag

ricu

ltu

ral

pro

du

ctiv

ity,

co

ntr

ibu

tin

g to

enh

ance

d f

oo

d s

ecu

rity

Sust

ain

gro

wth

in

rev

enu

e fr

om

hyd

rop

ow

er g

ener

atio

n,

alo

ng

wit

h e

nh

ance

men

t o

f en

ergy

secu

rity

En

han

ce i

nd

ust

rial

dev

elo

pm

ent,

par

ticu

larl

y fo

r

smal

l an

d m

ediu

m e

nte

rpri

ses

Max

imiz

e an

d s

ust

ain

po

ten

tial

reve

nu

es f

rom

wat

er-b

ased

tou

rism

• In

crea

sed

dep

end

ab

le a

vail

ab

ilit

y

an

d a

cces

s to

wa

ter

for

agr

icu

ltu

ral

use

• E

nh

an

ced

ab

ilit

y to

gen

era

te

hyd

rop

ower

at

full

ca

pa

city

an

d

min

imiz

e p

ower

im

por

ts d

uri

ng

the

lea

n s

easo

n

• In

crea

sed

uti

liza

tio

n o

f

wat

er r

eso

urc

es f

or

ind

ust

rial

dev

elo

pm

ent

pu

rpo

ses

• E

nh

ance

use

of

wat

er r

eso

urc

es

for

tou

rism

att

ract

ion

• P

erce

nt

of a

rab

le l

an

d

irri

gate

d

• P

erce

nt

of w

ate

r st

ored

in s

ma

ll r

eser

voir

s fo

r

agr

icu

ltu

ral

use

• P

erce

nta

ge i

ncr

ease

in

agr

icu

ltu

ral

reve

nu

e

• P

erce

nt

incr

ease

in

hyd

rop

ow

er g

ener

atio

n

du

rin

g le

an s

easo

n

• P

erce

nt

incr

ease

in

in

du

stry

con

trib

uti

on

to

GD

P

• P

erce

nta

ge i

ncr

ease

in

tou

rism

rev

enu

e

• C

onst

ruct

res

ervo

irs

an

d i

ncr

ease

wa

ter

rech

arg

e in

ca

tch

men

ts

• D

evel

op i

nfr

ast

ruct

ure

to

tap

ava

ila

ble

wa

ter

reso

urc

es i

n d

eep

va

lley

s u

sin

g

ap

pro

pri

ate

tec

hn

olog

ies

(an

d t

ap

pin

g

inte

rna

tion

al

clim

ate

fu

nd

s fo

r

fin

an

cin

g)

• C

on

stru

ct h

ydro

po

wer

res

ervo

irs

to

sust

ain

po

wer

gen

erat

ion

by

sto

rin

g

wat

er f

or

lean

per

iod

s, a

nd

to

ad

apt

to

clim

ate

chan

ge

• P

rovi

de

suit

able

tec

hn

olo

gies

an

d

sup

po

rt i

nfr

astr

uct

ure

to

in

crea

se t

he

ben

efici

al u

se o

f w

ater

fo

r ag

ricu

ltu

ral

and

in

du

stri

al d

evel

op

men

t

• Im

pro

ve w

ater

res

ou

rce

info

rmat

ion

syst

ems

89

Tab

le 31

: Estim

ated b

ud

get req

uirem

ents (M

illion

Ng

ultru

m) p

er interven

tion

for K

D2

-Eco

no

mic w

ater security

Ma

in In

terv

en

tion

s for K

D2

: Ec

on

om

ic w

ate

r sec

urity

12

th F

YP

13

th F

YP

14

th F

YP

To

tal

Re

spo

nsib

le A

ge

nc

yR

em

ark

Constru

ct re

servo

irs a

nd in

cre

ase w

ate

r recharg

e in

catc

hm

ents

Se

e K

D5

Deve

lop

infra

stru

ctu

reto

tap

ava

ilab

lew

ate

rre

sourc

es

indeep

valle

ysusin

gappro

pria

tete

chnolo

gie

s(a

nd

tappin

gin

tern

atio

nal

clim

ate

funds fo

r financin

g)

Constru

ct h

ydro

pow

er re

serv

oirs

to s

usta

in p

ow

er g

enera

tion b

y

sto

ring w

ate

r for le

an p

erio

ds, a

nd to

adapt to

clim

ate

change

36

,37

83

6,3

78

36

,37

81

09

,13

5D

OH

PS

of M

OE

A

Co

st o

f res

erv

oirs

are

inc

lud

ed

in to

tal

de

ve

lop

me

nt c

os

t

- Chukh

a2

3,3

78

23

,37

82

3,3

78

70

,13

5

- Haa

- Paro

6,0

00

6,0

00

6,0

00

18

,00

0

- Thim

phu

7,0

00

7,0

00

7,0

00

21

,00

0

Pro

vid

e s

uita

ble

technolo

gie

s a

nd s

upport in

frastru

ctu

re to

incre

ase

the b

enefic

ial u

se o

f wate

r for a

gric

ultu

ral a

nd in

dustria

l develo

pm

ent

12

8.7

12

8.7

12

8.7

38

6.1

DO

A o

f MO

AF

Imp

lem

en

tatio

n o

f

the

NIM

P

- Chukh

a4

4.5

44

.54

4.5

13

3.6

- Haa

1.1

1.1

1.1

3.2

- Paro

68

.66

8.6

68

.62

05

.7

- Thim

phu

14

.51

4.5

14

.54

3.6

Impro

ve w

ate

r resourc

e in

form

atio

n s

yste

ms

Su

bto

tal

36

,50

73

6,5

07

36

,50

71

09

,52

1

Exp

ansio

n o

f irrigated agricu

lture fo

llow

s the N

ation

al Irrigation

Master P

lan (2

01

6), in

creasing th

e irrigated area b

y 50

% b

y 20

33

and

facilitated b

y the D

OA

.

Hyd

rop

ow

er develo

pm

ent p

lans o

f the D

HP

S h

ave been

inco

rpo

rated in

the W

BM

P.

90

Tab

le 3

2:

Pla

n f

or

KD

3-U

rban

wat

er s

ecu

rity

an

d d

rain

age

3.

Urb

an w

ater

sec

uri

tyK

ey R

esu

lt A

reas

Key

Per

form

ance

In

dic

ato

rsM

ain

In

terv

enti

on

s/P

roje

cts

Go

al:

To

im

pro

ve t

he

effici

ency

of

urb

an w

ater

sup

ply

sys

tem

, an

d p

rote

ct

wat

er q

ual

ity

and

dra

inag

e

cap

acit

y o

f w

ater

way

s in

urb

an a

reas

of

Wan

gCh

hu

bas

in

Sp

ecifi

c o

bje

ctiv

es:

• A

void

wat

er l

oss

es

• R

edu

ce h

ealt

h c

are

cost

s

fro

m m

orb

idit

y an

d

mo

rtal

ity

rela

ted

to

wat

er

safe

ty

• M

inim

ize

dis

pu

tes

over

wat

er s

ou

rces

, an

d e

nh

ance

soci

al c

oh

esio

n

• S

ecu

re v

ital

wat

er s

ou

rces

• In

crea

sed

wat

er s

up

ply

cap

acit

y an

d

imp

rove

d c

on

dit

ion

of

exis

tin

g p

iped

wat

er s

up

ply

net

wo

rk

• W

ater

qu

alit

y d

egra

dat

ion

in

urb

an

wat

erw

ays

pre

ven

ted

• R

edu

ced

wat

er l

oss

es f

rom

th

e w

ater

sup

ply

sys

tem

• In

crea

sed

co

ntr

ol

over

ill

egal

tap

pin

g

of

wat

er,

and

mo

re e

qu

itab

le w

ater

dis

trib

uti

on

• R

edu

ced

in

cid

ence

of

urb

an fl

oo

din

g

• Im

pro

ved

sew

erag

e an

d s

anit

atio

n

syst

ems

• P

erce

nta

ge

of

ho

use

ho

lds

wit

h

pip

ed w

ater

su

pp

ly

• P

erce

nta

ge

of

ho

use

ho

ld s

ewer

con

nec

tio

ns

• P

erce

nta

ge

red

uct

ion

in

pip

ed

wat

er l

oss

es

• P

erce

nta

ge

of

ho

use

ho

lds

wit

h

soli

d w

aste

dis

po

sal

• R

edu

ctio

n i

n fl

oo

d d

amag

e

• N

um

ber

of

Thro

md

e w

ater

sup

ply

mas

ter

pla

ns

pre

par

ed

• N

um

ber

or

urb

an d

rain

age

pla

ns

dev

elo

ped

• L

engt

h o

f d

rain

s co

nst

ruct

ed

(tar

get

10

0%

cov

erag

e o

f st

orm

wat

er d

rain

s)

• U

rban

sew

erag

e m

aste

r p

lan

s

dev

elo

ped

• L

engt

h o

f se

wer

lin

es

con

stru

cted

• N

um

ber

of

add

itio

nal

urb

an

wat

er s

ou

rces

id

enti

fied

, an

d

new

in

tak

es c

on

stru

cted

• E

xp

and

pip

ed w

ater

sy

stem

• E

xp

and

sew

erag

e co

vera

ge

• Im

pro

ve d

rain

age

net

wo

rk,

foll

ow

ing

a m

aste

r p

lan

• R

epla

ce l

eak

y w

ater

su

pp

ly p

ipes

• In

itia

te w

ater

met

erin

g,

com

bin

ed w

ith

pu

bli

c aw

aren

ess

rais

ing

on

th

e ai

ms

of

pro

per

wat

er p

rici

ng

• E

stab

lish

mo

nit

ori

ng

sy

stem

to

min

imiz

e il

leg

al w

ater

tap

pin

g

• T

ap a

lter

nat

ive

wat

er s

ou

rces

to e

xpan

d u

rban

wat

er s

up

ply

(Gro

un

dw

ater

su

rvey

)

• C

on

stru

ct w

ater

sto

rage

faci

liti

es,

incl

ud

ing

for

rain

wat

er

har

vest

ing

• Im

pro

ve t

he

man

agem

ent

of

soli

d

was

tes

• Im

pro

ve u

rban

pla

nn

ing,

incl

ud

ing

stre

ngt

hen

ing

of

coo

rdin

atio

n a

nd

hu

man

reso

urc

es

• Im

pro

ve c

on

stru

ctio

n a

nd

mai

nte

nan

ce s

tan

dar

ds

91

Expansion and maintenance of the urban piped water and sewerage system is a routine program

of the WSD-DES-MOWHS as laid down in the FYPs.

Solid waste collection and disposal is a routine program under the District Administration.

Table 33: Estimated budget requirements (Million Ngultrum) per intervention for KD3-Urban water security

and drainage

Main Interventions for KD3: Urban water security 12th FYP 13th FYP 14th FYP Total Responsible Agency Remark

Expand piped water system 34.2 34.2 34.2 102.6Water & Sanitation

Division, DES, MOWHS

- Chukha 3.3 3.3 3.3 9.8

- Haa 1.6 1.6 1.6 4.9

- Paro 1.8 1.8 1.8 5.5

- Thimphu

Urban drinking water treatment 6.7 6.7 6.7 20.1Water & Sanitation


- Chukha 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

- Haa 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

- Paro 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

- Thimphu 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

Expand sewerage coverage4.2 4.2 4.2 12.6

Water & Sanitation


- Chukha 0.6 0.6 0.6 1.7

- Haa 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.8

- Paro 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.7

- Thimphu 3.1 3.1 3.1 9.3

Improve drainage network, following a master plan

Replace leaky water supply pipes

Initiate water metering, combined with public awareness raising on

the aims of proper water pricing

- Chukha 3.4 3.4 3.4 10.1

- Haa 1.3 1.3 1.3 4.0

- Paro 1.5 1.5 1.5 4.5

- Thimphu 41.6 41.6 41.6 124.9

Establish monitoring system to minimize illegal water tapping

Tap alternative w ater sources to expand urban w ater supply

(Groundw ater survey)

Construct w ater storage facilities, including for rain w ater harvesting See KD5

Improve the management of solid w astes 3.3 3.3 3.3 9.9Water & Sanitation


- Chukha 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.8

- Haa 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4

- Paro 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.5

- Thimphu 2.7 2.7 2.7 8.2

Improve urban planning, including strengthening of coordination and

human resources

Improve construction and maintenance standards

Subtotal 96.2 96.2 96.2 288.6

47.8 47.8 47.8 143.4Water & Sanitation


92

Tab

le 3

4:

Pla

n f

or

KD

4-E

nv

iro

nm

enta

l w

ater

sec

uri

ty

4.

En

viro

nm

enta

l w

ater

secu

rity

Key

Res

ult

Are

asK

ey P

erfo

rman

ce I

nd

icat

ors

Mai

n I

nte

rven

tio

ns/

Pro

ject

s

Goa

l: T

o p

reve

nt

deg

rad

atio

n

of

catc

hm

ent

area

s in

th

e b

asin

,

and

rem

edia

te e

xist

ing

dam

age

Sp

ecifi

c ob

ject

ives

:

• R

edu

ce t

he

inci

den

ce o

f

wat

er-r

elat

ed c

on

flic

ts b

y

pre

ven

tin

g th

e d

ryin

g u

p o

f

wat

er s

ou

rces

• P

reve

nt

aban

do

nm

ent

or

exce

ssiv

e fa

llo

win

g o

f

pro

du

ctiv

e la

nd

s

• R

edu

ce o

ccu

rren

ces

of

lan

dsl

ides

an

d f

ore

st fi

res

• Im

pro

ve t

he

qu

alit

y o

f w

ater

for

vari

ou

s p

urp

ose

s

• N

egat

ive

imp

acts

of

dev

elo

pm

ent

acti

viti

es i

n t

he

wat

ersh

ed a

re

pre

ven

ted

• D

egra

dat

ion

of

wat

ersh

eds

red

uce

d

• A

dap

tati

on

to

clim

ate

chan

ge

effec

ts e

nh

ance

d

(par

ticu

larl

y d

ue

to

tem

per

atu

re r

ise

and

mo

re e

rrat

ic r

ain

fall

pat

tern

)

• P

erce

nta

ge c

ropp

ed l

and

• P

erce

nta

ge o

f b

uil

t ar

ea

• P

erce

nta

ge w

etla

nd

are

a

• Su

spen

ded

sol

ids

in w

ater

• B

OD

of

surf

ace

wat

ers

• P

erce

nta

ge w

ater

con

sum

ed i

n J

anu

ary

• P

erce

nta

ge w

ater

con

sum

ed i

n M

ay

• N

um

ber

non

-nat

ive

fish

spe

cies

• P

erce

nta

ge n

on-n

ati

ve fi

sh s

pec

ies

• N

um

ber

of

awar

enes

s-ra

isin

g p

rogr

ams

con

du

cted

fo

r w

ater

shed

pro

tect

ion

• N

um

ber

of

trai

nin

g p

rogr

ams

con

du

cted

on

wat

ersh

ed-f

rien

dly

agr

icu

ltu

ral

pra

ctic

es

• N

um

ber

of

regu

lati

on

s d

evel

op

ed t

o r

egu

late

use

of

farm

ing

chem

ical

s

• N

um

ber

of

regu

lati

on

s d

evel

op

ed t

o m

on

ito

r

min

ing

and

in

du

stri

al a

ctiv

itie

s in

wat

ersh

eds

• N

um

ber

of

area

s w

her

e P

ES

(p

aym

ent

for

envi

ron

men

tal

serv

ices

) is

pra

ctic

ed

• A

mo

un

t o

f fi

nes

an

d p

enal

ties

co

llec

ted

• L

engt

h o

f fo

rest

fire

lin

es c

on

stru

cted

• N

um

ber

of

wea

ther

mo

nit

ori

ng

stat

ion

s

esta

bli

shed

, in

clu

din

g d

ata

pro

cess

ing

and

dis

sem

inat

ion

• N

um

ber

of

fore

st p

atro

ls s

et u

p

• R

emed

iate

for

est

loss

an

d

deg

rad

ati

on

• E

nfo

rce

rule

s a

nd

reg

ula

tion

s

to p

reve

nt

lan

d c

onve

rsio

n i

n

crit

ica

l a

rea

s

• P

rom

ote/

pil

ot s

ust

ain

ab

le

pa

stu

re d

evel

opm

ent

to p

reve

nt

over

-gra

zin

g

• S

top

ill

ega

l lo

ggin

g, a

nd

reg

ula

te

extr

act

ion

of

fore

st p

rod

uct

s

• C

arry

ou

t p

rop

er p

lan

nin

g

and

im

ple

men

tati

on

of

infr

astr

uct

ure

an

d a

gric

ult

ura

l

dev

elo

pm

ent

• E

nfo

rce

EF

RC

met

ho

ds

for

road

con

stru

ctio

n

• E

nfo

rce

com

pli

ance

to

pla

ns

• Id

enti

fy a

nd

dem

arca

te c

riti

cal

area

s fo

r m

anag

emen

t

• R

aise

aw

aren

ess

on

use

of

fert

iliz

ers

and

pes

tici

des

• E

nfo

rce

envi

ron

men

tal

regu

lati

on

s o

n m

inin

g ac

tivi

ties

• S

et u

p a

deq

uat

e n

etw

ork

of

wea

ther

sta

tio

ns

to m

on

ito

r

chan

ges

in c

lim

ate

93

None of the BWSI indicators for KD4-Environmental water security are presently actionable

and therefore they are not elaborated in the WRBM. However, the following activities shall be

implemented:

1. NECS shall establish ambient and effl uent water quality standards along with a

monitoring system within the 12th FYP.

2. WMD shall implement watershed conservation programs particularly in watershed Nr.

158 and 67 within the 12th FYP (cost estimates are in preparation).

3. DHMS shall expand its climate and river discharge monitoring network as per existing

plans (supported by WB).

4. MoAF will implement a national conservation program for the wildlife protection areas

and corridors over the next 15 years with a total value of Nu. 103 million (including

international co-funding under Bhutan for Life), of which a proportional amount

pertains to Wangchhu basin.

94

Tab

le 3

5:

Pla

n f

or

KD

5-R

esil

ien

ce t

o d

isas

ter

and

cli

mat

e ch

ang

e

5.

Dis

aste

r re

sili

ence

an

d

clim

ate

chan

ge

secu

rity

Key

Res

ult

Are

asK

ey P

erfo

rman

ce I

nd

icat

ors

Mai

n I

nte

rven

tio

ns/

Pro

ject

s

Goa

l: T

o r

edu

ce a

nd

pre

ven

t

soci

o-e

con

om

ic l

oss

du

e

to w

ater

-rel

ated

nat

ura

l

dis

aste

rs,

par

ticu

larl

y fl

oo

din

g

and

lan

dsl

ides

in

Wan

gCh

hu

bas

in

Sp

ecifi

c ob

ject

ives

:

• A

void

lo

ss o

r d

amag

e to

infr

astr

uct

ure

• A

void

red

uct

ion

of

hyd

rop

ow

er g

ener

atio

n

cap

acit

y

• A

void

co

mm

un

ity

dis

pla

cem

ent

• A

void

ad

vers

e im

pac

t o

n

bio

-div

ersi

ty

• A

void

dam

age

to

agri

cult

ura

l la

nd

s,

incl

ud

ing

live

sto

ck l

oss

es

• Im

ple

men

ted

flo

od

an

d

dis

aste

r m

itig

atio

n m

easu

res

• D

isas

ter

resi

lien

ce

mai

nst

ream

ed i

nto

dev

elo

pm

ent

pla

nn

ing

• Im

pro

ved

pla

nn

ing

and

dev

elo

pm

ent

of

infr

astr

uct

ure

an

d m

inin

g

acti

viti

es

• Su

stai

nab

le l

and

man

agem

ent

• R

elia

ble

wea

ther

fo

reca

stin

g

and

war

nin

g sy

stem

esta

bli

shed

• P

erce

nta

ge c

ha

nge

in

for

est

cove

r

• P

erce

nta

ge-p

oin

t d

evia

tion

fro

m

ma

nd

ato

ry f

ores

t co

ver

• N

o. o

f E

mer

gen

cy R

esp

onse

Un

its

• W

ate

r st

ora

ge c

ap

aci

ty

• F

lood

ha

zard

zon

ati

on

• F

lood

/ G

LO

F E

arl

y W

arn

ing

• N

o. o

f d

isas

ter

mit

igat

ion

mea

sure

s p

ut

in p

lace

• N

o. o

f ag

enci

es m

ain

stre

amin

g d

isas

ter

mit

igat

ion

an

d r

esil

ien

t in

th

eir

pla

ns

• A

crea

ge o

f d

egra

ded

lan

d u

nd

er

sust

ain

able

lan

d m

anag

emen

t

• N

um

ber

of

dis

aste

r-p

ron

e si

tes

and

area

s id

enti

fied

• N

um

ber

of

trai

nin

gs a

nd

aw

aren

ess

pro

gram

s co

nd

uct

ed

• N

um

ber

of

fore

st fi

re i

nci

den

ces

red

uce

d (

bas

elin

e: 1

5 fi

re i

nci

den

ces

as

of

20

14

)

• F

un

ctio

nal

an

d r

elia

ble

co

mm

un

icat

ion

syst

ems

pu

t in

pla

ce

• A

pp

ly r

emed

ial

mea

sure

s in

ha

zard

pro

ne

are

as

(e.g

., r

efor

esta

tion

, b

io-

engi

nee

rin

g w

ork

s, l

an

d t

rea

tmen

ts,

con

trol

led

gra

zin

g)

• Im

ple

men

t a

ctiv

itie

s to

red

uce

fore

st fi

re i

nci

den

ce (

fore

st l

ines

,

com

mu

nit

y or

gan

iza

tion

an

d

tra

inin

g)

• C

on

du

ct fl

oo

d m

od

elli

ng,

haz

ard

map

pin

g an

d a

sses

smen

t

• D

evel

op

cap

acit

y fo

r d

isas

ter-

resi

lien

t u

rban

pla

nn

ing

• P

rom

ote

an

d u

se E

FR

C m

eth

od

s in

road

co

nst

ruct

ion

• St

ren

gth

en m

inin

g re

gula

tio

ns

and

thei

r en

forc

emen

t

• E

xpan

d n

etw

ork

of

wea

ther

mo

nit

ori

ng

stat

ion

s, a

nd

im

pro

ve

info

rmat

ion

man

agem

ent

and

shar

ing

95

Tab

le 36

: Estim

ated b

ud

get req

uirem

ents (M

illion

Ng

ultru

m) p

er interven

tion

for K

D5

-Resilien

ce to d

isaster and

climate ch

ang

e

Ma

in In

terv

en

tion

s for K

D5

: Re

silien

ce

12

th F

YP

13

th F

YP

14

th F

YP

To

tal

Re

spo

nsib

le A

ge

nc

yR

em

ark

Apply re

media

l measure

s in

hazard

pro

ne a

reas (e

.g., re

fore

sta

tion,

bio

-engin

eerin

g w

ork

s, la

nd tre

atm

ents

, contro

lled g

razin

g)

1.7

1.6

71

.67

5.0

WB

CJo

int re

vo

lvin

g fu

nd

for 4

Dis

tricts

Imple

ment

activitie

sto

reduce

fore

st

firein

cid

ence

(fore

st

lines,

com

munity o

rganiz

atio

n a

nd tra

inin

g)

Conduct flo

od m

odellin

g, h

azard

mappin

g a

nd a

ssessm

ent, P

aro

13

3.6

13

3.6

FE

MD

, DE

S, M

OW

HS

Flo

od

pro

tec

tion

me

as

ure

s P

aro

Develo

p c

apacity

for d

isaste

r-resilie

nt u

rban p

lannin

g

Pro

mote

and u

se E

FR

C m

eth

ods in

road c

onstru

ctio

n

Stre

ngth

en m

inin

g re

gula

tions a

nd th

eir e

nfo

rcem

ent

Expand n

etw

ork o

f weath

er m

onito

ring s

tatio

ns, a

nd im

pro

ve

info

rmatio

n m

anagem

ent a

nd s

harin

g8

08

01

60

DH

MS

, MO

EA

Ea

rly W

arn

ing

Sy

ste

m

Rura

l wate

r sto

rage

59

55

95

Wa

ter &

Sa

nita

tion

Div

isio

n, D

ES

, MO

WH

S

- Chukh

a1

74

- Haa

68

- Paro

35

2

- Thim

phu

1

Su

bto

tal

81

0.3

81

.71

.78

93

.6

Gra

nd

tota

l of in

terv

en

tion

s3

8,0

96

37

,36

73

7,2

87

11

2,7

50

96

Th e Wangchhu RBC, assisted by NECS, shall establish a revolving fund of Nu. 5 million in order

to be able to deal swiftly with any water related disaster. Th is amount is proposed to be put in

place under the 12 FYP and therefore fi nanced by the government. Depending on the amount

expended, the fund is proposed to be replenished every FYP. Hence, replenishment amounts will

be proposed for subsequent FYPs.

As a pilot project, it is planned to provide water storage facilities to 10% of the neediest rural families

(at least 65 villages) who have diffi culties with domestic water supply during the lean season.

Th e project would be implemented by the Water & Sanitation Division (WSD) -Department of

Engineering Services –Ministry of Works & Human Settlements in the 12th FYP.

Flood-prone areas have been identifi ed in the WBMP. WSD will follow-up demarcating the

areas on the ground for public awareness. It will also follow-up with detailed fi eld surveys for

identifi cation of fl ood-protection measures such as building embankments or raising the ground

level with spoil from road construction on specifi c sites.

DHMS will complete its on-going work with respect to fl ash fl ood forecasting and early warning

within the 12th and 13th FYP, with a preliminary cost estimate of Nu. 160 million based on similar

work done in Punakha.

Expected increase in basin water security score (2016-2033)

Based on the interventions given above, the average score of water security in Wangchhu basin

across the fi ve key dimensions is expected to increase from 3.3 at present to 3.6 by 2033, see Table

38 and Figure 64.

Table 37: Expected increase in Wangchhu water security score 2016-33

Key Dimension/ Year Wangchhu 2016 Wangchhu 2033

Rural 4.5 4.8

Economic 2.1 2.6

Urban 2.8 3.2

Environment 3.4 3.4

Resilience 3.9 4.0

Average 3.3 3.6

97

Figure 64: Expected increase in Wangchhu water security score 2016-2033

Next steps in the planning process

Review and refi nement of the overall WBMP

Guided by the RBC, the Dzognkhags of Wangchhu Basin shall review and refi ne the WBMP

particularly with respect to the value of the baseline data on the indicators, the assumptions used

in the plans, and the targets that have been set against these assumptions.

Review and refi nement of the cost estimates

Th e cost estimates in the WBMP are preliminary only. Review and refi nement of the cost estimates

shall therefore follow the review of the planning assumptions by the WBC.

Adjustment of the 11 th FYP

Th e current 11th FYP is due for mid-term adjustment in 2016. Th e WBMP can provide planning

guidelines to that eff ect, for example by putting the resources there where they are most needed

and have the most impact in terms of increasing water security.

Preparation of the GNHC guidelines for preparation of the 12 th FYP

Th e WBMP shall serve as a reference when the GNHC formulates its guidelines for preparation

of the 12th FYP.

98

Preparation of the 12 th and following FYPs

Th e WBMP shall also serve as a reference during the preparation of the 12th and following FYPs.

Iterative process

It is emphasized that the WBMP 2016 is just the starting point of the IWRM planning spiral

discussed in this report. Th is fi rst iteration has taken stock of the present state of the water

resources in terms of water availability, water demand, and impacts of climate change, population

growth, agricultural and economic development, environment and resilience. A concept has

been elaborated for water security along 57 indicators for which the baseline values have been

determined. Diff erent agencies involved in, or aff ecting water management, play a coordinated

role in achieving water security. Initial targets have been set for each of them. Th e plan shall

now be implemented and monitored along the specifi ed indicators in order to be able to take

stock of progress, re-assess conditions or priorities at appropriate time intervals, such as mid-term

adjustment of the FYP, and preparation of the next FYP. Th e IWRM spiral towards water security

is again depicted in Figure 65.

Figure 65: IWRM spiral

(from ADB/ AWDO 2013)

99

4.3. Strengthen governance and institutional capacity for

coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of

basin management plan

Eff ective implementation of the Wangchhu basin management plan not only requires strong

coordination and cooperation between the four districts administrations and the sectors within

them. Considering that the implementation of basin management plans will ultimately contribute

to enhanced water security at the national level, it is also equally important for the WBC to

synergize and synchronize the priorities with sectoral priorities.

As presently stated in the Water Act and Regulation, the WBC is not a regulatory body. Th e Water

Act does not authorize or mandate it to promulgate standards and regulations, or even to enforce

existing regulations (the latter is the responsibility of the competent authorities). However, note

again the prerogative for NEC to expand the WBC’s functions.

Th e goals, objectives and strategies are defi ned below:

Goal: To promote eff ective and effi cient implementation of WBMP.

4.3.1. Empowerment of Wangchhu WBC for eff ectiveness

Other priority activities for the WBC include:

• Develop and update operational guidelines for the operation of WBC, including procedures

and timetable for granting water permits and procedures for WUA registration based on the

guidelines prepared by NEC.

• In accordance with the requirements outlined in the Government’s Executive Order, the

WBC shall hold at least three basin committee meetings a year to discuss among many

others, matters related to water resource management and water security in the basin.

• With assistance from RBC Secretariat, generate the water security statistics and score for the

Wangchhu basin on an annual basis.

• Adopt mechanism of learning by doing and seeking to constantly apprise the NEC on the

constraints and challenges that lie in the way of eff ective coordination and where necessary

seek to enhance its mandate and authority within the provisions of the law for eff ective

implementation of the basin plan.

4.3.2. Capacity of partners in IWRM concepts and river basin management

enhanced

Strategies:

• Train the designated member secretary of the Wangchhu RBC in agenda preparation,

100

drafting of minutes, and record keeping.

• provide orientation and training to members of RBC, relevant staff of district and Gewog

Administrations in IWRM and river basin management concepts through:

- Orientation to the IWRM principles and pillars; Bhutan Water Security Index;

hydrological and management basins of Bhutan, framework for planning,

implementation and monitoring of water security; institutional linkages between

basin level authorities and agencies (RBC, district administrations, sectors and Gewog

administrations) and national level sectoral agencies, TAC, NECS and GNHC); fl ow

of information between basin level players and national level agencies.

- Provide technical training on water balance accounting and monitoring systems (such

as WEAP).

- conduct study visits for RBC members to functional river basin committees.

- BWSI indicator monitoring at Gewog and district levels, timely reporting and

consolidation of information at basin levels.

4.3.3. Capacity of Dzongkhag, Gewog and Th romde administrations

strengthened

Within the basin, the district and Gewog administrations are crucial coordinating and monitoring

entities. Th e district administration in particular is the agency that coordinates planning as well as

implements, monitors and reports progress. Th e district planning offi cer and district environmental

offi cers play an important role in ensuring that plans for enhancing water security at the district

and Gewog levels are integrated in the fi ve year plans priorities. Further, basin wide programmes

identifi ed by the RBC must be integrated in respective district plans for adequate human and

fi nancial resources. Particularly the DzEO will play a crucial role in implementation of IWRM.

For this, capacity of Dzongkhag, Th romde and Gewog level offi cials should be enhanced in the

following areas:

• Collection of information on water resources at the Gewog and Th romde levels. Concerned

offi cials and community leaders should be trained in collecting and recording information

on various sources of water, names, discharge and abstractions.

• Incorporating RBC determined basin wide programmes and activities into Dzongkhag,

Th romde and Gewog level plans.

• Cooperating and collaborating with sectors within the Dzongkhag administration to gather

and update information on BWSI indicators.

• Collating Gewog and Th romde level data to prepare Dzongkhag level water security

information and submitting to Wangchhu Basin Committee Secretariat through the

Dzongdags.

101

It is proposed to design and implement these trainings before the end of the 11th FYP.

4.3.4. Water User Associations formally registered and monitored

Th e Gewog Administration is the level most appropriate for offi cial registration of Water User

Associations. Th e Gewog Administration, in accordance with the requirements set by the RBC:

• • Guidelines for registration of WUAs developed and approved by NEC.

• RBC and Dzongkhag/ Gewog Administrations oriented to the legal requirements and

process for registration of WUAs.

• Conduct advocacy and education for communities at the Gewog level on the importance

of WUA, its nomenclature, legal requirements and obligations, and process of registering

WUAs.

• Process the applications for registration of WUAs (including those that already exist in some

form).

• Maintain and update an inventory of WUAs, their allocated abstraction amounts, and the

purpose of abstraction.

• Monitor WUA compliance to the provisions of their 'Articles of Association' and water

permits.

103

5. BASIN MANAGEMENT AND

IMPLEMENTAT ION ARRANGEMENTS

Th is chapter describes the management mechanisms and institutional arrangements for

implementation of the WBMP. Th e governance mechanisms under the newly established WBC,

institutional capacity building, fi nancial aspects, and monitoring are described here.

Th e WBC is the mandated entity for coordinating implementation of WBMP. In doing so, the

committee, through the support and cooperation of the Dzongkhag and Th romde representatives

ensure that the targets identifi ed in the basin plan are deliberated and translated into Dzongkhag

and Th romde targets for integration in the Five Year Plans. Once the plans fi nd their way into

the FYPs, the WBC shall coordinate monitoring of the water related plans that are implemented

by various central agencies and local government. Progress shall be monitored in terms of the

Bhutan water security dimensions and indicators and results analysed and annually reported in

the form of Water security score for the basin. Within this overall framework of prioritizing and

integrating basin plans into existing planning system, the following implementation arrangements

are proposed.

Given that the WBC is more a coordinating than implementing body, the budgets for carrying

out the priorities will need to be secured through annual allocation by transfer of funds from

MOF to the Dzongkhags or the concerned central agency. It may be noted here that the existing

system of budget ceiling will limit the extent to which WBMP priorities can be taken up by

local government. As a result, the WBC will need to coordinate integration of the priorities and

activities into respective Dzongkhags, gewogs and central line agencies plans and programmes.

Th is however will be only be possible under two conditions:

1. Th e WBMP priorities are integrated into the fi ve year plans. Th e WBC has to ensure

that the WBMP priorities are discussed with local government and central line

agencies for integration into their FYP priorities.

2. Once the priorities are integrated into the FYPs, the concerned agencies andlocal

government will need to prepare progressive annual plans and budget. How each of

the Dzongkhags and central agencies will integrate is also something that the WBC

can coordinate.

Th e option of mobilizing resources for activities and interventions not covered by the FYPs need

to be explored. It is possible that the WBC will identify interventions to be taken up during the

FYP implementation period. Considering that the WBC is not a budget entity, its resource needs

should be mobilized through its Secretariat i.e the WRCD of NECS. Funds to be secured for the

WBC through its Secretariat include:

• Annual WBC operational funds: Th e WRCD, as the Secretariat to the WBC, shall ensure

that the funds required for WBC are integrated in the plans and budget secured on an

104

annual basis. Th is should include resources required for periodical stakeholder consultations

and updating of the basin management plan.

• Mobilization of resources for those priorities not covered under FYP and associated

annual plans or budget: Th e Secretariat shall facilitate development of project concepts,

identifi cation of funding agencies and secure required offi cial approval for mobilization of

resources and support from donors, funding agencies and partner organizations.

5.1. Basin Management Structure

Th e management of the basin rotates around the concept of coordination as contained in the terms

of reference of the WBC. Th e fi fteen member WBC comprised of the Dzongdags, Dzongkhag

Tshogdu chairpersons, and Dzongkhag environmental offi cers of the four districts of Chhukha,

Haa, Paro and Th imphu, the Th rompon and Chief Environment O ffi cer of Th imphu Th romde,

and the Chief Environment O ffi cer of WRCD, NECS as the interim member Secretary will play

an important role in coordinating the implementation of the river basin management plan. Until

further revision by the NEC, the extent of implementation of the Wangchhu basin management

plan will be governed by the mandate and authority wrested in the WBC as per the Executive

order of the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan and Chairman of NEC issued on 14 April

2016. Th is is prescribed by the following functions of the WBC:

1. To promote community participation in the protection, use, development, conservation,

management and control of water resources in its area of operation through education and

other relevant activities, specifi cally through:

• Formulating rules and procedures for the establishment and operation of community-level

Water Users Associations;

• Promoting and rewarding positive behavioural changes toward effi cient water use and

protection/maintenance of water sources;

• Raising community awareness on water-related issues, such as wasteful water consumption,

unhygienic sanitation, improper disposal of solid and liquid wastes, water borne diseases,

and environmental damage;

• Awareness-creation on the various technical options of effi cient water distribution and

avoidance of losses;

• Encouraging users to pay for water-related services within the scope of existing regulations;

• Promoting community adherence to directives from the RBC in resolving water-related

disputes;

• Provide regular (say annual or bi-annual) platform to inform and hear from stakeholders on

matters related to water management in the basin.

2. To prepare a River Basin Management Plan

• Assemble information required to prepare the basin plan;

• Consolidate water resources management plans prepared at the Gewog level, and ensure

105

that these are refl ected in the basin plan (i.e., checking that the plans do not draw more

water than is available);

• Provide detailed specifi cations of programs and projects incorporated in the basin plan,

including a proposed “responsibility framework” that identifi es the appropriate level of plan

implementation (i.e., by national agency or local administration);

• Ensure that the basin plan is consistent with the principles and objectives of the National

Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (NIWRMP), and that the water-related Key

Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) incorporated in the GNHC’s

medium term planning guidelines are refl ected in the basin plan.

3. To monitor and report to the Commission on the eff ectiveness of policies and action in

achieving sustainable management of water resources in its area of operation

• Review the district-level integrated water use management and safety plans prepared by

the respective Dzongkhag administrations based on the basin plan, and monitor their

implementation for reporting to the NEC;

• Review the management/safety plans prepared by the Class A Th romde Administrations

in the basin to ensure effi cient urban water supply and effl uent disposal, including urban

drainage systems, and monitor their implementation for reporting to the NEC and the

Ministry of Works and Human Settlements.

4. To collect, manage and share such data as are necessary to properly manage the basin in

coordination with the Commission

• Establish baseline data on the water security indicators for the basin, following the framework

set up by the NEC and GNHC for a national water security indicator system;

• Based on the basin plan implementation reports of the Dzongkhag and Th romde

administrations, consolidate data to periodically update the water security indicators for the

river basin, and report these to the NEC and GNHC, as well as to the basin consultative

council;

• Facilitate the exchange of data and information among agencies operating in the river basin,

and among the district and Gewog level administrations.

5. To help resolve cross-sectoral and Dzongkhag trans-boundary issues relating to water resources

in its area of operation

• Serve as forum through which issues/disputes related to water sharing and distribution

among districts and Gewogs within the basin can be discussed and resolved in an informed

and consultative manner;

• Establish procedures/rules for hearing and resolving trans-boundary water allocation issues;

• Monitor and report to the NEC on adherence of parties to agreed trans-boundary water

resources sharing.

6. To perform any such additional functions as the NEC may direct.

Th e WRCD has been designated as the interim Secretariat until further notice by the NEC.

106

Th e functions of the RBC Secretariat will be assigned in the interim period to the NECS-WRCD.

Th e secretariat shall prepare the meeting agenda for the basin committee, gather information

needed to brief the committee on issues to be tackled, document proceedings, and consolidate

the water plan for the basin (derived from the district and Gewog plans). As mandated by the

RBC chairperson, the secretariat may summon representatives from the sectoral competent

authorities to serve as resource persons. Th e latter shall give advice on technical matters, and

ensure coordination of the basin plan with sector-level plans and programs for water resources

development and management. Th e Secretariat will draw support from sectoral Competent

Authorities on technical matters.

Th e RBC secretariat shall also act as an administrative support unit to the basin committee. It will

be responsible for following through and monitoring implementation of measures authorized or

directed by the basin committee; it will also work with the district and Gewog administrations

to monitor water use/issues in the basin, including water infrastructure activities and related

programs in the basin (in coordination with sectoral competent authorities). Th e DEOs of

respective districts in the basin, coordinated by the member Secretary of the RBC, will assist in

carrying out Secretariat functions.

Th e detailed terms of reference of the River Basin Committee and its Secretariat issued by the

NEC is given in Appendix 2.

5.2. Overall framework for basin planning and

implementation

Based on the fi ve-year basin plan, each year in accordance with the local planning procedure and

timetable mandated by the GNHC, the WBC secretariat assisted by competent sectoral authorities

and DEOs will assess the current water situation and emerging issues in the basin, and brief the

basin committee on its fi ndings. Th e current situation will be compared with targets set in the

basin plan, which coincides with the national FYP, and referring to monitoring data assembled by

the basin committee secretariat.

Gewog and Dzongkhag stakeholders will deliberate water concerns through their respective

development councils, and raise basin-level issues and actions requiring inter-district coordination

or confl ict resolution to the RBC. Th e RBC, through the secretariat, will review proposed water

development activities of the district administrations and ensure that there are no confl icts in

water use with other districts. If the district plans are in harmony with the WBMP, as checked

by the basin committee, then the district plans can be submitted to GNHC following existing

planning procedures. Th e Wangchhu basin committee will liaise closely with GNHC to hold the

district administrations responsible for achieving the KRAs and KPIs for water security in their

respective jurisdictions.

107

Th e RBC will provide guidelines on how the prioritized water resources development activities

in the basin are to be diff erentiated between Gewog, Dzongkhag and central responsibilities (i.e.,

how are the priority activities to be divided between district and sub-district levels, and which ones

should be assigned to competent sector agencies/authorities).

Plans and proposed budgets/fi nancing for these activities will then be prepared at the assigned

level, after which they will be reviewed and consolidated at the basin level by the basin committee

through its secretariat—then endorsed to the GNHC. Hence the basin plan is converted into

corresponding district plans, for which the RBC will ensure that they are in harmony with the

river basin management plan.

5.3. Explore possibility of reorienting the water related

priorities of the 11th FYP to priorities of the WBMP

Considering that the WBMP is prepared midway through the 11 FYP, eff orts must be made to

orient or adjust the water related priorities for the remaining period of the plan to the priorities

set out in the basin plan.

5.4. Ensure water security priorities are integrated into the

Guidelines for preparation of FYPs.

Th is is a priority under the National IWRM Plan. However, it is equally important that guidelines

for preparation of subsequent fi ve year plans integrate water security priorities if basin plans are to

be mainstreamed and supported by the government.

Within the framework of the guidelines, the WBC shall, through respective Dzongdags,

Th rompons and members ensure that the basin committee determined basin plans and priorities

(as specifi ed in the river basin management plan) are integrated into Dzongkhag, Th romde and

Gewog level plans and priorities for integration in FYPs.

5.5. Implementation of basin plans

Once the plans are integrated in the national FYPs, the respective Dzongkhags and Th romdes are

expected to implement and monitor progress towards the targets under existing mechanisms. Th e

budgets for the planned priorities would automatically be provided through the existing planning

and budgeting processes.

On an annual basis, the targets identifi ed in the basin plan, the WBC will agree on specifi c

targets to be adopted by the respective Dzongkhags and Th romdes in the basin. Th e respective

Dzongkhags and Th romde administrations in the basins are obliged to:

108

• pursue implementation of the planned water security interventions, and

• ensure that concerned offi cials at the Gewog and Th romde levels collect, maintain and

provide information on sources of water, discharge, and abstractions and support water

balance

5.6. Monitoring and reporting progress on water security

index

Monitoring of the plans will automatically be part of the government's plan monitoring system.

However, the river basin committee has a special responsibility of coordinating the implementation

as well as monitoring the water related plans in the context of ensuring that the water resources in

the basin are optimally utilized for basic human needs and health, socio-economic advancement,

environmental sustainability and resilience to disasters. In view of this, the dzonkghags through

their Dzongdags and representative have the obligations to:

• Cooperate and collaborate with sectors within the district administration to gather and

update information on BWSI indicators.

• Collate Gewog and Th romde level data to prepare Dzongkhag level water security information

and submitting to Wangchhu Basin Committee Secretariat through the Dzongdags.

• Provide regular information on the progress to the basin committee secretariat i.e., the

WRCD, NECS that will assist the basin committee in computing the annual water security

score for the basin.

• Th e basin committee will formally submit the report on the status of water security in the

basin to the National Environment Commission. Th is is to be facilitated by the WRCD of

NECS.

5.7. Financing the operation of WBC and its basin wide

programmes and priorities

Th e operational budget for WBC will be integrated into NECS's annual budget during an interim

period. Specifi cally, the budget line should be refl ected under the WRCD as the Secretariat of the

WBC. Th e budget should include no less than three basin committee meetings, the associated

travel and logistics cost; furniture and equipment for the Secretariat; stationery and consumables;

travel and logistic support for Secretariat staff to the basin. In addition, considering that the

WRCD of NECS is understaff ed, it is necessary that a dedicated staff is either provided by the

government or resources are mobilized to recruit one staff in the interim period. Based on the

above, a sum of about Nu. 12 million i.e., about US $ 182,000 is estimated over a period of fi ve

years. Around Nu. 2.5 million is required for the fi rst year of operation considering the need for

initial establishment costs for the WBC secretariat.

Th e Chief, WRCD has the responsibility to ensure that the budgets are endorsed by the basin

109

committee and incorporated in the fi ve year plans budgets as well as in the annual budget request

to the GNHC and MoF. In the event of inability to secure government funding considering that

these activities and associated costs are not covered under the current 11 FYP, the Secretariat

should facilitate resource mobilization from relevant funding agencies and partners. From the 12

FYP onwards, the cost of operating the river basin committee and that of updating the basin plan

will need to be fi nanced directly from GNHC/MOF. For this, the WBC with support from the

Secretariat should ensure that the plans are adequately incorporated in the 12 FYP. However, in

the long term, it is expected that WBC will become more independent with potential sources of

funds coming from general taxes and water-related tariff s collected within the basin (e.g., from

water use permits), and even levies/royalties from hydropower operations.

Table 38: Estimated operational cost for Wangchhu Basin Committee for fi rst Year and for Five Years

Budget Head

Estimate (Nu.)

Unit

Cost

Qty. per year First Year Total (5 Yrs)

WBC meetings

Travel and DSA for WBC

members and Secretariat400,320 4 meetings 160,1280 800,6400

Working Lunch, Tea/ snacks

(Nu. 1000 per person)20,000 4 meetings 80,000 400,000

Support staff at Secretariat (Nu.

25,000 per month)25,000

15 months (12

months + LTC, leave

encashment, gratuity)

per year with 3%

annual increment

375,000 2,072,112

Furniture and Equipment

(computer and printer)20,000

Nu. 200,000 for fi rst

year and Nu. 50,000

for subsequent years

200,000 450,000

Travel and DSA 50,000 Lump-sum per year 50,000 250,000

Stationery/ consumables (lump-

sum)50,000 Lump-sum per year 50,000 250,000

Utilities (Nu. 5000 per month) 60,000 Nu. 5000 per month 60,000 300,000

2,416,280 11,647,326

It is expected that the WBC will identify basin wide programmes that may not be covered by

the FYP. Provisions should be made for mobilization of resources from sources outside of the

government for programmes and activities to foster water security of the basin. In this respect, the

WRCD as the Secretariat for the basin committee shall facilitate preparation of project concepts

and proposals, liaising with donors and partners, and securing GNHC approvals and support for

resource mobilization. Th e WRCD may also facilitate receipt and expenditure of funds for the

basin.

110

REFERENCES

1. EGIS and RSPN/ BhWP, 2016. Bhutan Water Security Index System: User’s Manual. A

technical report prepared under ADB technical assistance to Bhutan: Adapting to Climate Change

through Integrated Water Resource Management. Th imphu Bhutan.

2. EGIS and RSPN/ BhWP, 2016. Hydrological Modelling and Assessment for Bhutan. A

technical report prepared under ADB technical assistance to Bhutan: Adapting to Climate Change

through Integrated Water Resource Management. Th imphu Bhutan.

3. EGIS and RSPN/ BhWP, 2016. Social Aspects of Water Resource Management in

Bhutan. A technical report prepared under ADB technical assistance to Bhutan: Adapting to

Climate Change through Integrated Water Resource Management. Th imphu Bhutan.

4.EGIS and RSPN/ BhWP, 2016. Th ematic Atlas of Wangchhu Basin. A technical report

prepared under ADB technical assistance to Bhutan: Adapting to Climate Change through

Integrated Water Resource Management. Th imphu Bhutan.

5. A Review of Water Scarcity Indices and Methodologies, Amber Brown Marty D. Matlock,

University of Arkansas, Th e Sustainability Consortium, White Paper #106 | April 2011

6. Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for Wangchhu HEP (570 MW)

Bhutan, Wapcos, 2014, Volume 2 – Final EMP.)

7. Data collection renewable energy, JICA, 2013

8. Geo-electrical survey in Paro area, Bhutan, CEGR-Kathmandu, 2015?

9. National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (NIWRM), Gross National

Happiness Commission, RGOB, 2016.

10. Rapid classifi cation of watersheds in Wangchhu basin, Watershed Management

Division, Department of Forests and Parks Services, MOAF, 2011

11. Water Resources Management Plan and Update of the Power System Master Plan of

Bhutan, Department of Energy, Ministry of Trade and Industries, RGOB, 2003.

http://www.nec.gov.bt

http://www.pitt.edu/~nmcq/Long_etal_2011_JOM_Bhutan_Map_1-500k.pdf

http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml

111

APPENDICES

Executive Order for Establishing Wangchhu Basin Committee 112

Terms of Reference for the Wangchhu Basin Committee and its Secretariat 114

Problem and Strategy Trees for Wangchhu Basin 120

Overview of Plans, Targets and Cost Estimates 133

112

APPENDIX 1

Executive Order for Establishing Wangchhu Basin Committee

114

APPENDIX 2

Terms of Reference for the Wangchhu Basin Committee and its Secretariat

1. THE RATIONALE

Th e boundaries of Water Resource Management (WRM) has greatly expanded over the

decades (from water to water+ecology, then to water+ecology+institutions, and now to

water+ecology+institutions+other concerns). Th ere remains a strong sense that the most logical

unit for management is the river basin, hence the need to set up basin-scale organizations for

management and coordination. Th e coordination model being developed here does not necessary

(actually, not politically realistic) aim for creating unitary basin organizations that take over the role

of water resource management from existing administrative institutions, even as eff orts continue

to streamline the patchwork of such institutions. Standalone basin organizations would also be

against the concept of cross-sectoral ‘integration’ and holistic views propagated by Integrated

Water Resource Management (IWRM).

In IWRM, the river basin is the most logical unit for coordinated management of water resources

(eg. for proper water resource accounting and allocation). A river basin organization is the most

appropriate institutional mechanism for ensuring such coordination at the basin level. Th e aim

of coordination is to ensure that policies and programs in the basin- involving multiple actors

and stakeholders - are characterized by minimal redundancy, incoherence, confl ict and gaps.

Coordinated planning and development is, thus, the underlying IWRM principle adopted in

Bhutan; and through a multi-stakeholder approach this coordination task is assigned to the River

Basin Committee (RBC) at the basin level.

Th e Water Act of Bhutan 2011, mandates National Environment Commission (NEC) to establish

RBC for each basin for the purpose of proper coordinated development, management, and

conservation of water resources. Th e Water Act 2011 and Water Regulation of Bhutan 2014,

provides broad guidelines on the composition of the RBC and their functions.

Th e terms of reference have been elaborated based on the guidelines in the Water Act and

Regulation. Th e discussion from the stakeholders recommends that the members of the RBC shall

be drawn from within the basin and shall comprise of incumbent chairperson of the Dzongkhag

Tshogdu, Dzongdags, and Th rompons of class A Th romde, Dzongkhag environment offi cers and

a representative from the National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS). Individual

stakeholders shall be invited by the RBC during deliberation of matters relevant to the stakeholders’

specifi c concern. A representative from NECS shall serve as member-secretary.

115

Th e composition of RBC, terms of reference and its secretariat’s functions have been endorsed

by the NEC during the 41st Commission meeting held on June 25, 2015. Th e Commission also

approved to establish Wangchhu Basin Committee as fi rst RBC for piloting proper coordination

and management of water resources within the Basin.

2. COMPOSITION OF WANGCHHU BASIN COMMITTEE

(WBC)

As approved by the NEC during its 41st Commission meeting held on 25 June 2015, the WBC

shall comprise the following members:

1. DashoDzongda, Dzongkhag Administration, Haa, Chairman

2. DashoDzongda, Dzongkhag Administration, Paro, member

3. DashoDzongda, Dzongkhag Administration, Th imphu, member

4. DashoDzongda, Dzongkhag Administration, Chhukha, member

5. Chairman, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Haa, member

6. Chairman, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Paro, member

7. Chairman, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Th imphu, member

8. Chairman, Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Chhukha, member

9. Dasho Th rompon, Th imphu Th romde, member

10. Environment O ffi cer, Dzongkhag Administration, Haa, member

11. Environment O ffi cer, Dzongkhag Administration, Paro, member

12. Environment O ffi cer, Dzongkhag Administration, Th imphu, member

13. Environment O ffi cer, Dzongkhag Administration, Chhukha, member

14. Environment O ffi cer, Th imphu Th romde, member

116

15. Chief Environment O ffi cer, Water Resource Coordination Division, NECS, member

secretary.

Th e Commission appoints Dasho Dzongdag, Haa as the fi rst Chairperson of the WBC, however,

the position of WBC chairperson shall be rotated annually among the Dzongdags of the districts

covered by the basin, and Chief Environment O ffi cer of Water Resource Coordination Division

shall serve as member secretary. Th e WBC shall meet at least once every four months and the

quorum of the meeting shall be two third. Th e WBC is expected to take a consensus approach in

adopting policy positions and making decisions.

3. FUNCTIONS OF THE WANGCHHU BASIN COMMITTEE

Th e functions of the WBC are as follows:

1. Promote community participation in the protection, use, development, conservation,

management and control of water resources in its area of operation through education and

other relevant activities, specifi cally through:

• Formulating rules and procedures for the establishment and operation of community-level

Water Users Associations;

• Promoting and rewarding positive behavioural changes toward effi cient water use and

protection/maintenance of water sources;

• Raising community awareness on water-related issues, such as wasteful water consumption,

unhygienic sanitation, improper disposal of solid and liquid wastes, water borne diseases,

and environmental damage;

• Awareness-creation on the various technical options of effi cient water distribution and

avoidance of losses;

• Encouraging users to pay for water-related services within the scope of existing regulations;

• Promoting community adherence to directives from the WBC in resolving water-related

disputes;

• Provide regular (say annual or bi-annual) platform to inform and hear from stakeholders on

matters related to water management in the basin.

2. Prepare a River Basin Management Plan

• Assemble information required to prepare the basin plan;

• Consolidate water resources management plans prepared at the Gewog level, and ensure

that these are refl ected in the basin plan (i.e., checking that the plans do not draw more

water than is available);

• Provide detailed specifi cations of programs and projects incorporated in the basin plan,

including a proposed “responsibility framework” that identifi es the appropriate level of plan

117

implementation (i.e., by national agency or local administration);

• Ensure that the basin plan is consistent with the principles and objectives of the National

Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (NIWRMP), and that the water-related Key

Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) incorporated in the GNHC’s

medium term planning guidelines are refl ected in the basin plan;

3. Monitor and report to the Commission on the eff ectiveness of policies and action in achieving

sustainable management of water resources in its area of operation

• Review the district-level integrated water use management and safety plans prepared by

the respective Dzongkhag administrations based on the basin plan, and monitor their

implementation for reporting to the NEC;

• Review the management/safety plans prepared by the Class A Th romde Administrations

in the basin to ensure effi cient urban water supply and effl uent disposal, including urban

drainage systems, and monitor their implementation for reporting to the NEC and the

Ministry of Works and Human Settlements;

4. Collect, manage and share such data as are necessary to properly manage the basin in

coordination with the Commission

• Establish baseline data on the water security indicators for the basin, following the framework

set up by the NEC and GNHC for a national water security indicator system;

• Based on the basin plan implementation reports of the Dzongkhag and Th romde

administrations, consolidate data to periodically update the water security indicators for the

river basin, and report these to the NEC and GNHC, as well as to the basin consultative

council;

• Facilitate the exchange of data and information among agencies operating in the river basin,

and among the district and Gewog level administrations.

5. Help resolve cross-sectoral and Dzongkhag trans-boundary issues relating to water resources

in its area of operation

• Serve as forum through which issues/disputes related to water sharing and distribution

among districts and Gewogs within the basin can be discussed and resolved in an informed

and consultative manner;

• Establish procedures/rules for hearing and resolving trans-boundary water allocation issues;

• Monitor and report to the NEC on adherence of parties to agreed trans-boundary water

resources sharing.

6. Perform any such additional functions as the NEC may direct.

118

4. FUNCTIONS OF WBC SECRETARIAT

Th e functions of the WBC Secretariat are assigned in the interim period to the Water Resource

Coordination Division in NECS. Th e secretariat shall prepare the meeting agenda for the basin

committee, gather information needed to brief the committee on issues to be tackled, document

proceedings, and consolidate the water plan for the basin (derived from the district and Gewog

plans). As mandated by the WBC chairperson, the secretariat may summon representatives from

the sectoral competent authorities to serve as resource persons. Th e latter shall give advice on

technical matters, and ensure coordination of the basin plan with sector-level plans and programs

for water resources development and management. Th e Secretariat shall draw support from

sectoral Competent Authorities on technical matters.

Th e secretariat shall also act as an administrative support unit to the WBC. It is responsible

for following through and monitoring implementation of measures authorized or directed by

the basin committee; work with the district and Gewog administrations to monitor water use/

issues in the basin, including water infrastructure activities and related programs in the basin

(in coordination with sectoral competent authorities). Th e Dzongkhag Environment O ffi cers of

respective Dzongkhags in the basin, coordinated by the member Secretary of the WBC, shall assist

in carrying out secretariat functions.

Specifi cally, the functions of the WBC secretariat are as follows:

8. Assist the Chairperson of the WBC in preparation of annotated agenda of WBC

meetings; draft minutes of the meetings and maintain records of meetings;

1. Prepare and propose annual operational budget for WBC, seek WBC approval and

submit to WRCD, NECS for timely inclusion in the annual budget proposal;

2. Assist the WBC in applying the water security performance indicator system for the

basin;

3. Coordinate with the concerned Dzongkhag administrations and national sectoral

agencies to ensure that basin plan items are being implemented;

4. Advise the WBC in evaluating impacts of development plans or actions proposed by

local administrations and national sectoral agencies operating in the basin;

5. Assist the WBC in preparing water security and water-related reports to the NEC

and GNHC;

6. Facilitate conveyance of advisories or directives of the WBC to the district and

Gewog administrations, as well as collate responses;

7. In coordination with the NECS, maintain a water database for the basin, and

coordinate the updating of information collected by local administrations and

sectoral agencies operating in the basin;

8. Establish a “knowledge hub” for matters pertaining to basin water resources

management and coordination;

119

9. Document successful IWRM interventions in the basin for reporting to the WBC, as

well as dissemination to national policy-makers, stakeholders and the media;

10. Facilitate networking and partnerships with NGOs, communities, state enterprises

and private organizations operating in the basin;

11. Identify needs and facilitate training and capacity building (with assistance from the

NECS) among local administration staff on integrated water resources planning and

management;

12. Coordinate with the Dzongkhag and Gewog administrations to collect, compile,

check, sort and analyse data about the status of water resources in the basin, and the

on-going implementation of basin plans;

13. Prepare necessary M&E forms and formats to collect data and information on the

status of water resources and water security in the basin;

14. Monitor performance of local administrations in implementing their assigned roles

under the river basin plan, and report to the WBC.

As noted above, the WBC shall convene a consultative assembly to deliberate on the basin plan

and, on need basis consult stakeholders on specifi c water management issues that arise and that

have basin-wide implications.

120

APPENDIX 3

Problem and Strategy Trees for Wangchhu Basin

As mentioned in Section 3.4 the problem and strategy trees against the fi ve Key Dimensions of

water security, and for Th romdes as a separate group are given below.

Th e diagrams are read as follows. In the problem tree, the central box contains the core statement

related to the concerned Key Dimension. Th e boxes below analyse the causes of the central

problem down to three levels. Th e boxes above the central statement mention the impact of the

central statement. Hence, the total diagram provides a logical cause-eff ect relationship.

Th e strategy tree is organised in a similar fashion. Interventions on the ground lead to Key Result

Areas and then to the goal formulated in the central box, with their specifi c objectives/ impacts

on top of the diagram.

121

Incre

asin

g th

reat to

drin

kin

g w

ate

r

su

pp

ly in

rura

l are

as, c

om

bin

ed

with

po

or

san

itatio

n

Incre

ased

morb

idity

and

morta

lity ra

te

Dis

pute

s o

ver

wate

r sourc

es a

nd

access

Incre

ased h

ealth

care

cost

Loss o

f socia

l

cohesio

n

Incre

ased d

rudgery

am

ong w

om

en a

nd

child

ren in

colle

ctin

g

wate

r

Loss o

f

opportu

nitie

s

Degra

datio

n o

f

wate

r sourc

es

(quantity

and

quality

)

Inadequate

access to

alte

rnativ

e w

ate

r

sourc

es

Managem

ent

weaknesses

Advers

e c

limate

change

Excessiv

e

extra

ctio

n o

f

wate

rshed

resourc

es

Land

fragm

enta

tion

into

incom

patib

le

uses

Over-g

razin

g in

wate

r catc

hm

ent

are

as

Econom

ically

-

driv

en a

ctiv

ities

Resourc

e

constra

ints

Lack te

chnolo

gy

and in

fra to

tap

alte

rnativ

e

wate

r sourc

es

Excessiv

e

wate

r losses

Poor

imple

menta

tion

of g

overn

ment

polic

ies

Lack o

f public

aw

are

ness

Inadequate

institu

tional

capacity

Poorly

desig

ned w

ate

r

conveyance

syste

ms

Poor

main

tenance

Seasonal w

ate

r

shorta

ges

Degra

datio

n o

f

wate

r sourc

es

Pro

blem

tree for K

ey D

imen

sion

1: R

ural h

ou

seho

ld w

ater security, san

itation

and

hy

gien

e

Eff

ects

Pro

blem

statemen

t

Cau

ses

Ro

ot cau

ses

122

Reduced h

ealth

care

cost

Reduced

morb

idity a

nd

mort

alit

y r

ate

Enhanced w

ate

r

security

Impro

ved q

uantity

and q

ualit

y o

f w

ate

r

Impro

ved c

om

munity

vitalit

y

Enhanced s

ocia

l

harm

ony in the

com

munity

Min

imiz

ed w

ate

r

rela

ted d

ispute

s

Incre

ased incom

e

and im

pro

ved liv

ing

sta

ndard

s

Incre

ased tim

e u

sed

for

gain

ful econom

ic

activitie

s

Decre

ased d

rudgery

am

ong w

om

en a

nd

child

ren

Impro

ve c

onditio

n o

f

wate

r sourc

es a

nd

catc

hm

ents

Min

imiz

e e

xtr

action

and fra

gm

enta

tion

of re

sourc

es in

wate

r catc

hm

ents

Str

ictly

imple

ment ru

les

under

the n

on

-

tim

ber

fore

st

pro

ducts

pro

gra

m (

NT

FP

)

Initia

te m

ass

affore

sta

tion a

nd

refo

resta

tion

pro

gra

m

Reduce

impact of

over

gra

zin

g

Rais

e

com

munity

aw

are

ness

Impro

ve

livesto

ck

managem

ent

pra

ctices

Impro

ve a

ccess to

altern

ative d

rinkin

g

wate

r sourc

es

Pro

vid

e a

dequate

infr

astr

uctu

re a

nd

appro

priate

technolo

gy

Enfo

rced s

trin

gent

imple

menta

tion o

f

polic

ies a

nd

regula

tions

Tra

in local

govern

ment

offic

ials

Rais

e p

ublic

aw

are

ness

Form

wate

r user

associa

tions in a

ll

com

munitie

s

Impro

ve

managem

ent of

wate

r supply

Encoura

ge

com

munitie

s to

uphold

local

belie

fs in

conserv

ing

environm

ent

Reduce s

easonal

wate

r short

ages

Build

sm

all

reserv

oirs a

nd

check d

am

s

Intr

oduce r

ain

wate

r

harv

esting

Imp

rove a

nd

pro

tect

dri

nkin

g

wate

r su

pp

ly a

nd

san

itati

on

Reduce w

ate

r

losses

Impro

ve k

now

how

and technolo

gy to

access w

ate

r

sourc

es

Impro

ve d

esig

n

of w

ate

r

conveyance

syste

ms

Impro

ve w

ate

r

supply

syste

m

main

tenance

Rais

e

aw

are

ness o

f

clim

ate

change

impacts

Str

ateg

y t

ree

for

Key

Dim

ensi

on

1:

Ru

ral

ho

use

ho

ld w

ater

su

pp

ly,

san

itat

ion

an

d h

yg

ien

e

Imp

acts

Key

Res

ult

Ind

icat

or

Stra

tegi

es

Act

ion

s

123

Ec

on

om

ic v

alu

e/b

en

efits

of B

hu

tan

’s

wa

ter re

so

urc

es

is n

ot m

ax

imiz

ed

Ag

ricu

ltura

l

pro

du

ctiv

ity n

ot

ma

xim

ize

d

Fo

od

inse

cu

rity

Po

ten

tial g

row

th in

go

ve

rnm

en

t reve

nu

e

an

d n

atio

na

l GD

P n

ot

rea

lize

d

Po

ten

tial fo

r ind

ustria

l

de

ve

lop

me

nt n

ot

ma

xim

ize

d

Dim

inis

hin

g a

va

ilab

ility a

nd

diffic

ulty

of a

cce

ss to

wa

ter fo

r

ag

ricu

lture

Se

aso

na

l wa

ter

sh

orta

ge

s

Dry

ing

up

of

exis

ting

wa

ter

so

urc

es

Wa

ters

he

d

de

gra

da

tion

co

mb

ine

d

with

Incre

ase

d

de

ma

nd

for w

ate

r

La

ck o

f ad

eq

ua

te

infra

stru

ctu

re to

tap

exis

ting

wa

ter s

ou

rce

s

in d

ee

p v

alle

ys

La

ck o

f ap

pro

pria

e

an

d a

fford

ab

le

tech

no

log

y

Clim

ate

ch

an

ge

(rain

fall v

aria

bility

an

d e

xtre

me

s)

Ina

bility

to g

en

era

te

hyd

rop

ow

er a

t full

ca

pa

city

La

ck o

f fun

din

g fo

r

inve

stm

en

ts

La

ck/a

bse

nce

of

rese

rvo

irs (to

sto

re

wa

ter fo

r lea

n flo

w

pe

riod

s)

La

ck fin

an

cin

g a

nd

an

d te

ch

no

log

y

Incre

ase

d

fluctu

atio

n in

vo

lum

e o

f wa

ter

Insu

fficie

nt u

tiliza

tion

of w

ate

r

reso

urc

es fo

r ind

ustria

l

de

ve

lop

me

nt p

urp

ose

s

La

ck o

f su

itab

le

tech

no

log

ies a

nd

su

pp

ortin

g

infra

stru

ctu

re

Po

ten

tial re

ve

nu

es

from

wa

ter-b

ase

d

tou

rism

no

t

ma

xim

ize

d

Insu

fficie

nt u

se

of

wa

ter re

so

urc

es

for to

uris

m

activ

ities

Ina

de

qu

ate

rule

s

an

d e

nfo

rce

me

nt

of e

nviro

nm

en

tal

flow

s

Pro

blem

tree for K

ey D

imen

sion

2: E

con

om

ic water secu

rity

124

Maxim

ize e

co

no

mic

valu

e/b

en

efi

ts o

f

Wan

gC

hu

basin

wate

r re

so

urc

es

Agricultura

l

pro

ductivity is

maxim

ized

Food s

ecurity

is

enhanced

Pote

ntial gro

wth

in

govern

ment re

venue

and n

ational G

DP

is

realiz

ed

Pote

ntial fo

r in

dustr

ial

develo

pm

ent is

maxim

ized a

nd

susta

ined

Incre

ase d

ependable

availa

bili

ty

and a

ccess to w

ate

r fo

r agriculture

Addre

ss c

urr

ent

pro

ble

m o

f

seasonal w

ate

r

short

ages

Incre

ase r

echarg

e

of w

ate

r sourc

es

Wate

rshed

pro

tection

measure

s

Pro

vid

e a

dequate

infr

astr

uctu

re to tap

exis

ting w

ate

r sourc

es

in d

eep v

alle

ys

Apply

appro

priae

and a

fford

able

technolo

gy

Assess c

limate

change e

ffects

(rain

fall

variabili

ty

and e

xtr

em

es)

Enhance a

bili

ty to

genera

te

hydro

pow

er

at fu

ll

capacity

Adequate

fundin

g

for

investm

ents

Constr

uct

reserv

oirs (

to s

tore

wate

r fo

r le

an flo

w

periods)

Access fin

ancin

g

and a

nd

technolo

gy

Anticip

ate

and

manage

fluctu

ation in

volu

me o

f w

ate

r

Incre

ase the u

tiliz

ation o

f

wate

r re

sourc

es for

industr

ial

develo

pm

ent purp

oses

Pro

vid

e s

uitable

technolo

gie

s a

nd

support

ing

infr

astr

uctu

re

Pote

ntial re

venues fro

m

wate

r-based tourism

is

maxim

ized a

nd s

usta

ined

Enhance u

se o

f w

ate

r

resourc

es for

tourism

attra

ction a

nd w

ate

r-based

activitie

s

Dete

rmin

e a

nd

enfo

rce m

inim

um

environm

enta

l

flow

s

Constr

uct

reserv

oirs

Conduct re

searc

h

and testing/

develo

pm

ent

Tap into

inte

rnational

clim

ate

funds

Technolo

gy

researc

h a

nd

monitoring

Impro

ve w

ate

r

resourc

e

info

rmation

syste

ms

Str

ateg

y t

ree

for

Key

Dim

ensi

on

2:

Eco

no

mic

wat

er s

ecu

rity

125

Ineffic

ien

t urb

an

wate

r su

pp

ly s

yste

m a

nd

incre

asin

g

thre

at to

qu

ality

of u

rban

wate

rways

Rapid

incre

ase

in u

rban

popula

tion

Incre

ased

mig

ratio

n fro

m

rura

l are

as

Poor a

ccess to

alte

rnativ

e

sourc

es o

f wate

r

Dete

riora

ting

wate

r quality

in

urb

an

wate

rways

Hig

h ra

tes o

f

loss in

wate

r

supply

syste

m

Illegal ta

ppin

g o

f

wate

r pip

es

Unequal w

ate

r

dis

tributio

n

Mis

use o

f

auth

ority

Inadequate

imple

menta

tion o

f

sew

era

ge p

lan

Lack o

f

resourc

es a

nd

technolo

gy

Insuffic

ient

wate

r sto

rage

facilitie

s

Conta

min

atio

n

by s

olid

waste

Conta

min

atio

n

by in

dustria

l

efflu

ents

Lack o

f

adequate

sew

era

ge

covera

ge

Weaknesses in

urb

an p

lannin

g

Poor

constru

ctio

n a

nd

main

tenance

sta

ndard

s

Lack o

f

infra

stru

ctu

re

to ta

p

alte

rnativ

e

wate

r sourc

es

Lack o

f

managem

ent

coord

inatio

n

Incre

asin

g

dem

and fo

r

limite

d w

ate

r

Incre

ased

morb

idity

and

morta

lity ra

te

Dis

pute

s o

ver

wate

r sourc

es a

nd

access

Incre

ased h

ealth

care

cost

Loss o

f socia

l

cohesio

n

Pro

blem

tree for K

ey D

imen

sion

3: U

rban

water secu

rity, sanitatio

n an

d d

rainag

e

126

Imp

roved

eff

icie

ncy o

f u

rban

wate

r su

pp

ly s

yste

m

an

d p

rote

cti

on

of

qu

ality

of

urb

an

wate

rways

Wate

r

mete

ring a

nd

pricin

g

initia

tives

Incre

ase w

ate

r

supply

Pre

vent w

ate

r qualit

y

degra

dation in u

rban

wate

rways

Reduce w

ate

r

losses fro

m u

rban

wate

r supply

syste

m

Contr

ol ill

egal

tappin

g o

f w

ate

r

pip

es

Pro

mote

equitable

wate

r

dis

trib

ution

Monitor

wate

r

dis

trib

ution s

yste

m to

avoid

ille

gal w

ate

r

tappin

g

Imple

ment

sew

era

ge p

lan

pro

perly

Pro

vid

e

resourc

es a

nd

appro

priate

technolo

gy

Pro

vid

e w

ate

r

sto

rage

facili

ties

Impro

ve

managem

ent of

solid

waste

and

dis

posal

Pre

vent

conta

min

ation

by industr

ial

efflu

ents

Incre

ase

sew

era

ge

covera

ge

Impro

ve u

rban

pla

nnin

g

Impro

ve

constr

uction a

nd

main

tenance

sta

ndard

s

Tap

altern

ative

wate

r sourc

es

Str

ength

en

coord

ination a

nd

hum

an r

esourc

es

Manage

incre

asin

g

dem

and for

wate

r

Reduced m

orb

idity

and m

ort

alit

y r

ate

Min

imiz

ed

dis

pute

s o

ver

wate

r sourc

es a

nd

access

Reduced h

ealth

care

cost

Main

tenance o

f

socia

l cohesio

n

Encoura

ge

and e

nable

wate

r

harv

esting

Rais

e p

ublic

aw

are

ness

Impro

ve

monitoring

Str

ateg

y t

ree

for

Key

Dim

ensi

on

3:

Urb

an w

ater

sec

uri

ty,

san

itat

ion

an

d d

rain

age

127

Ina

de

qu

ate

an

d in

effic

ien

t urb

an

wa

ter s

up

ply

sy

ste

ms

Un

ne

ce

ssa

ry

wa

ter lo

sse

s

Artific

ial s

ho

rtag

e

of w

ate

r

Lo

ss o

f eco

no

mic

op

po

rtun

ities

Un

hyg

ien

ic liv

ing

co

nd

ition

s

Ou

tbre

ak o

f

dis

ea

se

s

Po

or c

on

ditio

n o

f

pip

e w

ate

r

dis

tribu

tion

Hig

h le

aka

ge

(15

-20

%)

Old

ne

two

rk o

f

pip

es

(25

-30

yrs

old

)

Co

nta

min

atio

n o

f

lea

ky p

ipe

s fro

m

su

rface

wa

ter

Ina

de

qu

ate

dra

ina

ge

syste

m

Urb

an

floo

din

g

Lo

w c

arry

ing

ca

pa

city

Ina

de

qu

ate

co

ve

rag

e a

nd

po

or

co

nd

ition

of

se

we

rag

e s

yste

m

Ove

rflow

of

efflu

en

t from

se

we

r line

s

Blo

cka

ge

of

se

we

rag

e lin

es

Lim

ited

wa

ter a

t

so

urc

e

Incre

ase

in

de

ma

nd

Ra

pid

urb

an

iza

tion

Po

or w

ate

r qu

ality

at s

ou

rce

Clo

gg

ing

of d

rain

sP

oo

r ma

inte

na

nce

Po

or s

olid

wa

ste

ma

na

ge

me

nt

Pro

blem

tree for K

ey D

imen

sion

3: Th

rom

de w

ater security

128

Impro

ve c

onditio

n o

f

the p

ipe w

ate

r

supply

netw

ork

Reduce incid

ence

of urb

an flo

odin

g

Impro

ve the

sew

era

ge a

nd

sanitation s

yste

m

Pro

tect th

e w

ate

r

at sourc

e

Develo

p w

ate

r

supply

maste

r

Pla

n

Tim

ely

inspection

of w

ate

r supply

line

Purc

hase o

f

leakage d

ete

cto

r

equip

ment

Routine

Main

tenance

Repla

cem

ent of

old

pip

es

Tre

atm

ent and

chlo

rination

Fre

quent

inspection o

n

dra

inage c

onditio

n

Routine

main

tenance

Develo

p U

rban

dra

inage m

aste

r

Pla

n

Incre

ase tim

e

period o

f daily

wate

r supply

Tim

ely

inspection

and m

ain

tenance

of sew

er

line

Pro

tect w

ate

r

catc

hm

ents

Explo

re

additio

nal w

ate

r

sourc

es

Pro

vid

e a

deq

uate

an

d e

ffic

ien

t u

rban

wate

r su

pp

ly

syste

ms

Avoid

unnecessary

wate

r lo

sses

Avoid

art

ific

ial

short

age o

f w

ate

r

Enhance

econom

ic

opport

unitie

s

Enhanced

hygie

nic

liv

ing

conditio

ns

Outb

reak o

f

dis

eases a

re

pre

vente

d

Str

ateg

y t

ree

for

Key

Dim

ensi

on

3:

Thro

md

e w

ater

sec

uri

ty

129

Ne

ga

tive

imp

acts

of d

eve

lop

me

nt

activ

ities in

wa

ters

he

ds

Acce

lera

ted

infra

stru

ctu

re

de

ve

lop

me

nt

Exp

an

din

g

ag

ricu

ltura

l

activ

ities

Incre

asin

g

ind

ustria

l an

d

min

ing

activ

ities

Incre

asin

g ra

te o

f

fore

st lo

ss a

nd

de

gra

da

tion

Ne

ga

tive

effe

cts

of

tem

pe

ratu

re

incre

ase

an

d

erra

tic ra

infa

ll

Wa

ters

he

d d

eg

rad

atio

n

Dry

ing

up

of w

ate

r

so

urc

es

Incre

ase

d

incid

en

ce

of

wa

ter-re

late

d

co

nflic

ts

Mo

re la

nd

s

follo

we

d o

r

ab

an

do

ne

d Incre

ase

in h

ea

lth

issu

es

Fo

od

sca

rcity

Incre

ase

in

po

ve

rty

Co

mm

un

ity

dis

ha

rmo

ny

Co

nstru

ctio

n o

f

roa

ds

(no

t follo

win

g

EF

RC

me

tho

ds)

Va

riou

s a

d-h

oc o

r

un

pla

nn

ed

wa

ters

he

d

dis

turb

an

ce

s

Incre

ase

d u

se

of

fertiliz

ers

an

d

pe

stic

ide

s

De

gra

da

tion

of

ag

ricu

ltura

l lan

ds

La

nd

co

nve

rsio

n

activ

ities

Ove

r gra

zin

gIlle

ga

l log

gin

g

activ

ities

Incre

ase

d

extra

ctio

n o

f

fore

st p

rod

ucts

Incre

ase

d

occu

rren

ce

s o

f

lan

dslid

es

Glo

ba

l clim

ate

ch

an

ge

Incre

asin

g

nu

mb

er o

f sm

all

en

terp

rise

s a

nd

co

ttag

e

ind

ustrie

s

Incre

ase

d

occu

rren

ce

of fire

s

Po

or w

ate

r qu

ality

an

d h

igh

se

dim

en

t

loa

d

Ad

ve

rse

effe

cts

on

irriga

tion

an

d

hyd

rop

ow

er

facilitie

s

Ris

ing

co

st o

f

wa

ter tre

atm

en

t

Incre

ase

in p

ub

lic

sa

fety

ha

za

rds

Pro

blem

tree for K

ey D

imen

sion

4: E

nv

iron

men

tal water secu

rity

130

Pre

vent negative im

pacts

of develo

pm

ent activitie

s in

wate

rsheds

Pla

n a

nd m

anage

infr

astr

uctu

re

develo

pm

ent pro

perly

Pla

n a

nd m

anage

agricultura

l develo

pm

ent

pro

perly

Pla

n a

nd m

anage

industr

ial and m

inin

g

activitie

s p

roperly

Reduce a

nd

rem

edia

te fore

st lo

ss

and d

egra

dation

Adapt to

effects

of

tem

pera

ture

incre

ase

and e

rratic r

ain

fall

Pre

ve

nt

furt

he

r d

eg

rad

ati

on

of

wa

ters

he

ds, a

nd

rem

ed

iate

ex

isti

ng

da

ma

ge

Pre

vent dry

ing u

p o

f

wate

r sourc

es

Reduced incid

ence

of w

ate

r-re

late

d

conflic

ts

Pre

vent m

ore

lands

from

bein

g follo

wed

or

abandonedA

void

negative

health im

pacts

and issues

Pre

vent fu

ture

food

scarc

ity

Reduce p

overt

y

incid

ence

Main

tenance o

f

Com

munity h

arm

ony

Constr

uct ro

ads

follo

win

g E

FR

C

meth

ods a

nd

safe

guard

s

Avoid

ad

-hoc o

r

unpla

nned

dis

turb

ances in

wate

r sourc

e

are

as

Rais

e a

ware

ness

on u

se o

f fe

rtili

zers

and p

esticid

es,

encoura

ge o

rganic

farm

ing

Pro

mote

susta

inable

agricultura

l la

nd

managem

ent

Dis

coura

ge land

convers

ion in

critical are

as

Pro

mote

pastu

re

develo

pm

ent to

pre

vent over

gra

zin

g

Sto

p ille

gal

loggin

g a

ctivitie

s

Manage

extr

action o

f

fore

st pro

ducts

Reduce o

ccurr

ences

of la

ndslid

es

Monitor

changes d

ue

to c

limate

change

Monitor

and

regula

te s

mall

ente

rprises a

nd

cottage industr

ies

Reduce o

ccurr

ence

of fire

s

Impro

ve w

ate

r qualit

y

and r

educe s

edim

ent

loads

Reduced e

ffects

on

irrigation a

nd

hydro

pow

er

facili

ties

Reduced c

ost of

wate

r tr

eatm

ent

Reduce p

ublic

safe

ty

hazard

s

Identify

and

decla

re c

ritical

are

as for

managem

ent

Pro

per

pla

nnin

g

and s

ite s

ele

ction

Enfo

rce

com

plia

nce to

pla

ns

Pro

per

pla

nnin

g

and s

ite

sele

ction, avoid

critical are

as

Str

ict m

onitoring

and e

nfo

rcem

ent

of environm

enta

l

law

s

Monitor

and

enfo

rce

environm

enta

l

rule

s a

nd

regula

tions

Set up a

dequate

netw

ork

of w

eath

er

monitoring s

tations

Str

ateg

y t

ree

for

Key

Dim

ensi

on

4:

En

vir

on

men

tal

wat

er s

ecu

rity

131

Ec

on

om

ic v

alu

e/b

en

efits

of B

hu

tan

’s

wa

ter re

so

urc

es

is n

ot m

ax

imiz

ed

Ag

ricu

ltura

l

pro

du

ctiv

ity n

ot

ma

xim

ize

d

Fo

od

inse

cu

rity

Po

ten

tial g

row

th in

go

ve

rnm

en

t reve

nu

e

an

d n

atio

na

l GD

P n

ot

rea

lize

d

Po

ten

tial fo

r ind

ustria

l

de

ve

lop

me

nt n

ot

ma

xim

ize

d

Dim

inis

hin

g a

va

ilab

ility a

nd

diffic

ulty

of a

cce

ss to

wa

ter fo

r

ag

ricu

lture

Se

aso

na

l wa

ter

sh

orta

ge

s

Dry

ing

up

of

exis

ting

wa

ter

so

urc

es

Wa

ters

he

d

de

gra

da

tion

co

mb

ine

d

with

Incre

ase

d

de

ma

nd

for w

ate

r

La

ck o

f ad

eq

ua

te

infra

stru

ctu

re to

tap

exis

ting

wa

ter s

ou

rce

s

in d

ee

p v

alle

ys

La

ck o

f ap

pro

pria

e

an

d a

fford

ab

le

tech

no

log

y

Clim

ate

ch

an

ge

(rain

fall v

aria

bility

an

d e

xtre

me

s)

Ina

bility

to g

en

era

te

hyd

rop

ow

er a

t full

ca

pa

city

La

ck o

f fun

din

g fo

r

inve

stm

en

ts

La

ck/a

bse

nce

of

rese

rvo

irs (to

sto

re

wa

ter fo

r lea

n flo

w

pe

riod

s)

La

ck fin

an

cin

g a

nd

an

d te

ch

no

log

y

Incre

ase

d

fluctu

atio

n in

vo

lum

e o

f wa

ter

Insu

fficie

nt u

tiliza

tion

of w

ate

r

reso

urc

es fo

r ind

ustria

l

de

ve

lop

me

nt p

urp

ose

s

La

ck o

f su

itab

le

tech

no

log

ies a

nd

su

pp

ortin

g

infra

stru

ctu

re

Po

ten

tial re

ve

nu

es

from

wa

ter-b

ase

d

tou

rism

no

t

ma

xim

ize

d

Insu

fficie

nt u

se

of

wa

ter re

so

urc

es

for to

uris

m

activ

ities

Ina

de

qu

ate

rule

s

an

d e

nfo

rce

me

nt

of e

nviro

nm

en

tal

flow

s

Pro

blem

tree Key

Dim

ensio

n 5

: Resilien

ce to clim

ate chan

ge an

d w

ater-related d

isasters

132

Red

uce s

ocio

-eco

no

mic

lo

ss d

ue t

o w

ate

r

rela

ted

natu

ral

dis

aste

rs, p

art

icu

larl

y f

loo

din

g

an

d l

an

dsli

des

Imp

lem

en

t flo

od

an

d d

isa

ste

r

mitig

atio

n

me

asu

res

Co

nd

uct

flo

od

mo

de

ling

, h

aza

rd

ma

pp

ing

an

d

asse

ssm

en

t

Ma

instr

ea

m

dis

aste

r re

sili

en

ce

in d

eve

lop

me

nt

pla

nn

ing

Pro

pe

r u

rba

n

pla

nn

ing

Ca

pa

city

de

ve

lop

me

nt

an

d

ad

eq

ua

te b

ud

ge

t

allo

ca

tio

n

Imp

rove

pla

nn

ing

an

d

de

ve

lop

me

nt

of

infr

astr

uctu

re a

nd

min

ing

activitie

s

Use

of

EF

RC

me

tho

ds in

ro

ad

co

nstr

uctio

n

Str

en

gth

en

reg

ula

tio

ns a

nd

mo

nito

rin

g o

f

min

ing

activitie

s

Su

sta

ina

ble

la

nd

ma

na

ge

me

nt

En

forc

e h

aza

rd

ma

pp

ing

an

d r

em

ed

ial

me

asu

res in

la

nd

slid

e

pro

ne

are

as

Esta

blis

h r

elia

ble

we

ath

er

fore

ca

stin

g a

nd

wa

rnin

g

Re

du

ce

in

cid

en

ce

of

fo

rest

fire

s

Te

rra

cin

g

an

d s

lop

e

sta

bili

ty

me

asu

res

Re

fore

st

de

nu

de

d

are

as

Bio

-

en

gin

ee

rin

g

wo

rks

Re

du

ce

ove

r-g

razin

g

Esta

blis

h n

etw

ork

of

we

ath

er

mo

nito

rin

g

sta

tio

ns

Esta

blis

h in

form

atio

n

ma

na

ge

me

nt

an

d d

ata

sh

arin

g s

yste

ms

Fire

lin

e

co

nstr

uctio

n

Co

mm

un

ity

org

an

iza

tio

n

an

d

co

ord

ina

tio

n

Co

nd

uct

aw

are

ne

ss

pro

gra

ms a

nd

tra

inin

g

Avo

id

dis

pla

ce

me

nt

of

co

mm

un

itie

s

Avo

id lo

sse

s o

r

da

ma

ge

to

infr

astr

uctu

re

Avo

id r

ed

uctio

n o

f

hyd

rop

ow

er

ge

ne

ratio

n c

ap

acity

Pre

ve

nt

ad

ve

rse

imp

act

on

bio

-

div

ers

ity

Pre

ve

nt

da

ma

ge

to

ag

ricu

ltu

ral la

nd

s

an

d lo

ss o

f

live

sto

ck

Str

ateg

y t

ree

for

Key

Dim

ensi

on

5:

Res

ilie

nce

to

cli

mat

e ch

ang

e an

d w

ater

-rel

ated

dis

aste

r

133

AP

PE

ND

IX 4

Overview

of P

lans, T

argets an

d C

ost E

stimates

KD

1R

ura

l ho

use

ho

ld w

ate

r se

cu

rity

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MP

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NS

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ica

to

rB

ase

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FY

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ssu

mp

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ns

Un

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ost

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l Co

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FY

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FY

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ho

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ve

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fun

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ble

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curity

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rB

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Th

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FY

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P

1%

of

urb

an

ho

use

ho

lds

wit

h

pip

ed

wa

ter

sup

ply

%%

%%

10

0%

co

ve

rag

e i

s p

os

sib

le i

n 1

4th

FY

P -

ba

se

d o

n

inv

es

tme

nts

Nr

of

HH

s

20

15

Ad

d'l

HH

s

by

20

33

Nr

HH

to

be

co

nn

ec

ted

Co

st

pe

r H

H i

n

Mln

Ng

uT

ota

l C

os

t in

Mln

Ng

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r H

Hs

N

r H

Hs

N

r H

Hs

M

ln N

gu

Mln

Ng

uM

ln N

gu

10

0%

Ch

uk

ha

92

95

97

10

0G

ap

pro

po

rtio

na

lly

clo

se

d o

ve

r ti

me

1,8

54

34

14

90

0.0

29

.80

16

31

63

16

33

.33

.33

.3

10

0%

Ha

a9

69

79

91

00

64

62

20

24

50

.02

4.9

18

28

28

21

.61

.61

.6

10

0%

Pa

ro9

69

79

91

00

73

22

44

27

30

.02

5.4

69

19

19

11

.81

.81

.8

10

0%

Th

imp

hu

96

97

99

10

02

3,9

02

3,1

71

4,1

27

0.0

28

2.5

41

37

61

37

61

37

62

7.5

27

.52

7.5

27

,13

43

,97

65

,13

50

.02

10

2.7

01

71

21

71

21

71

23

4.2

34

.23

4.2

2%

of

ho

use

ho

lds

wit

h t

rea

ted

pip

ed

wa

ter

sup

ply

%%

%%

90

% c

ov

era

ge

is

po

ss

ible

in

14

th F

YP

- b

as

ed

on

inv

es

tme

nts

Nr

of

HH

sA

dd

'l H

Hs

by

20

33

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to

ha

ve

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ate

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wa

ter

Un

it C

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l C

os

t in

Mln

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r. H

Hs

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HH

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r. H

Hs

Mln

Ng

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ln N

gu

Mln

Ng

u

10

0%

Ch

uk

ha

56

67

79

90

Ga

p p

rop

ort

ion

all

y c

los

ed

ov

er

tim

e1

,85

43

41

1,1

57

55

38

63

86

38

61

.67

1.6

71

.67

10

0%

Ha

a2

74

86

99

06

46

22

06

91

55

23

02

30

23

01

.67

1.6

71

.67

10

0%

Pa

ro7

35

62

90

73

22

44

92

45

53

08

30

83

08

1.6

71

.67

1.6

7

10

0%

Th

imp

hu

90

90

90

90

23

,90

23

,17

15

,56

15

51

85

41

85

41

85

41

.67

1.6

71

.67

27

,13

43

,97

68

,33

40

.00

22

02

77

82

77

82

77

86

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6,7

84

2,0

83

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3U

rba

n w

ate

r lo

st (

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t

acc

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or)

%%

%%

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ba

se

lin

e d

ata

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ail

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le.

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of

HH

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dd

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Hs

by

20

33

Ta

rge

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st/ y

r in

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N

gu

To

tal

co

st

in M

ln N

gu

Nr.

HH

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r. H

Hs

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HH

sM

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gu

Mln

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uM

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gu

10

0%

Ch

uk

ha

?1

,85

43

41

2,1

95

0.6

75

10

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57

32

73

27

32

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3.4

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Ha

a?

64

62

20

86

60

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4.0

28

92

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28

91

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10

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Pa

ro?

73

22

44

97

60

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25

32

53

25

1.5

1.5

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10

0%

Th

imp

hu

?2

3,9

02

3,1

71

27

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38

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12

4.9

90

24

90

24

90

24

41

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1.6

41

.6

27

,13

43

,97

63

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10

14

3.5

10

37

01

03

70

10

37

04

7.8

47

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ho

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ho

lds

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ut

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ag

e t

rea

tme

nt

%%

%%

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ng

fig

ure

be

low

10

% b

y 1

4th

FY

PN

r o

f H

Hs

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by

20

33

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HH

s t

o b

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ne

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Co

st

To

tal

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st

in M

ln N

gu

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HH

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r. H

Hs

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HH

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gu

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gu

10

0%

Ch

uk

ha

22

18

14

10

Ga

p p

rop

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ion

all

y c

los

ed

ov

er

tim

e1

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43

41

56

42

01

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18

81

88

18

80

.60

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10

0%

Ha

a1

81

51

31

06

46

22

02

71

20

0.8

09

09

09

00

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Pa

ro2

27

32

24

42

44

20

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28

18

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10

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10

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Th

imp

hu

77

23

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23

,17

13

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12

09

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10

57

10

57

10

57

3.1

3.1

3.1

6,7

84

20

27

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43

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64

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01

2.5

31

41

71

41

71

41

74

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ho

use

ho

lds

wit

h s

oli

d

wa

ste

dis

po

sal

%%

%%

Inc

rea

se

fig

ure

by

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%-p

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t b

y 1

4th

FY

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f H

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20

33

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it C

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HH

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gu

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u

10

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Ch

uk

ha

34

37

41

44

Ga

p p

rop

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all

y c

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tim

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43

41

52

71

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17

61

76

17

60

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Ha

a2

52

83

23

56

46

22

02

84

10

0.4

29

59

59

50

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10

0%

Pa

ro1

61

92

32

67

32

24

43

17

10

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71

06

10

61

06

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10

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Th

imp

hu

71

01

41

72

3,9

02

3,1

71

5,5

61

10

8.2

01

85

41

85

41

85

42

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6,7

84

10

22

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30

22

30

3.3

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27

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43

,97

66

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32

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69

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NB

: K

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nvi

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, h

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ate

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ster

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MP

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ase

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1

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FY

P1

3th

FY

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FY

PA

ssum

ptio

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To

tal C

ost in

Mln

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FY

P1

3th

FY

P1

4th

FY

P1

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FY

P1

3th

FY

P1

4th

FY

P

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me

rge

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resp

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Me

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Ba

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Un

it Co

st

To

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os

t in M

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gu

Mln

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u

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Ch

uk

ha

0

10

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Ha

a0

10

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Pa

ro7

10

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Th

imp

hu

0

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ura

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rag

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CM

MC

MM

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MC

MC

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ne

ed

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Hs

for 2

mo

nth

s

do

me

stic

wa

ter s

up

ply

Sto

rag

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gu

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Ch

uk

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17

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1to

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term

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Ha

a6

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36

86

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36

8

10

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ro3

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35

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93

52

35

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93

52

10

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Th

imp

hu

14

41

44

11

44

1

59

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75

9,5

17

59

55

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17

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loo

d h

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na

tion

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zard

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on

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y B

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23

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rate

dX

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gu

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gu

10

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uk

ha

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ore

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taile

d e

lab

ora

tion

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ed

ed

Ba

sin

figu

re

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Ha

a1

De

ma

rka

tion

on

the

gro

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ro1

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ks

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n m

ea

su

res

10

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Th

imp

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en

din

g

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loo

d p

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me

sasu

res

pe

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ing

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Imp

lem

en

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su

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ba

se

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n flo

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as

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se

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ed

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u-8

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3

Un

it Co

st in

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To

tal C

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gu

m le

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thm

len

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ng

thM

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gu

Mln

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gu

10

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Ch

uk

ha

00

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6tb

atb

atb

atb

atb

atb

atb

a

10

0%

Ha

a1

depending on workload/ cost

tba

10

0%

Pa

ro1

by

12

th, 1

3th

or 1

4th

FY

P1

33

.64

50

01

33

.6

10

0%

Th

imp

hu

1tb

a

13

3.6

45

00

13

3.6

8Flood/ GLO

F Early Warning

Imp

lem

en

t Ea

rly W

arn

ing

Sy

ste

m(s

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l Co

st in

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uM

ln N

gu

Mln

Ng

uM

ln N

gu

10

0%

Ch

uk

ha

31

23

depending on workload/ cost

Se

e D

HM

S a

ctiv

ities

10

0%

Ha

a0

by

12

th, 1

3th

or 1

4th

FY

P

10

0%

Pa

ro0

10

0%

Th

imp

hu

0

16

08

08

0

UB

TO

TA

L KD

58

94

81

0.4

81

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GR

AN

D T

OT

AL O

F P

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NE

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XP

EN

DIT

UR

ES

TILL 2

03

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FO

UR

DZ

ON

GK

HA

GS

(INC

LUD

ING

INC

RE

AS

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F P

OP

ULA

TIO

N) IN

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11

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7

1.6

7

IND

ICA

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0

51

.67

1.6

7

136

(Footnotes)

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drainage_basin

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_scarcity

3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_balance

4 Global Water Partnership: http://www.gwp.org/Th e-Challenge/What-is-IWRM/

5 https://docs.google.com/a/universitywatersectorpartnership.org

6 Godfrey, J. and K. Chalmers (editors). Water Accounting: International Approaches to Policy and Decision-making. Edward Elgar

Publishing, 2012.

7 http://www.iadclexicon.org/water-availability/

8 UN-Water: http://www.unwater.org/topics/water-security/en

9 http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1042207.pdf

10 https://water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/defi nitions.html

11 http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/what-wetland


Royal Government of Bhutan.

P.O. Box: 466

Th imphu - 11001, Bhutan.

Tel No: +975 2 323384 / 324323 / 326386 / 326993

Fax No: +975 2 323385

Toll Free No: 149

Website: www.nec.gov.bt

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