India and Bhutan review cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and Punatsangchhu projects
An Indian delegation led by Water Resources Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao concluded a visit to Bhutan on 27 February 2026 to discuss trans-boundary river cooperation and review the Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project.
Summary
An Indian delegation led by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, concluded a visit to Bhutan on 27 February 2026 (24–27 February) on trans-boundary river cooperation, with officials from Assam, West Bengal and WAPCOS. At the Secretary-level meeting on 25 February the two sides reviewed flood management and forecasting, modernising Bhutan's hydro-meteorological network on trans-border rivers, data sharing, and climate risks including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). On 26 February the Secretary reviewed the under-construction Punatsangchhu-I and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric projects.
Key facts
- Visit
- 24–27 February 2026, Bhutan
- Led by
- V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR
- Talks
- 25 February — flood forecasting, hydro-met network, data sharing, GLOFs
- Projects reviewed
- Punatsangchhu-I (under construction), Punatsangchhu-II (recently commissioned)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Which hydroelectric project in Bhutan, under construction with India's partnership, was reviewed by the Indian Water Resources Secretary in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Punatsangchhu-I
The Secretary reviewed the under-construction Punatsangchhu-I and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II projects.