Have We Learnt Our Lesson?

Dungsam Cement Corporation Limited, the country’s biggest cement plant was conceived and initiated by the RGoB in 1982, with grant assistance assured by India. It was not until 2007 – an incredible full quarter century since its conception - that construction on the project began. This project has the potential to single-handedly assure the country all its Indian Rupee needs.

My view is that India delayed Dungsam because Bhutan was dragging its feet on India’s push to do the Punatsangchhu project. I believe that eventually Bhutan succumbed to the carrot and stick cajoling by India. What seemed like a worthwhile compromise was arrived at: Bhutan agrees to do the Punatsangchhu project and India swiftly agrees to make available the funds for Dungsam Cement.

Dungsam Cement starts full steam in 2007 and less than a year later, in 2008, Punatsangchhu-I starts. Since then it has been downhill all the way for Bhutan.

Dungsam Cement is driven into the ground from day one of its coming into production, with all sorts of excuses. Today it is a mortally wounded behemoth. Eleven years after it began construction, the Punatsangchhu-I is now in a state of comatose – a phase of deep slumber. The Project authorities enlisted the help of God – but so far He remains stoically unimpressed. In the meantime, the cost has escalated more than three times, at 10% interest. All that the Project authorities can do is wait for the annual flooding of the Punatsangchhu, and eventual collapse of the right hill of the project’s dam site. Or even a GLOF caused by global warming.

Alas! I fear that history is about to be replayed. In recent times, people have begun to speak of Sankosh and Kholongchhu Hydropower Projects in the same breadth. A situation akin to the early days of Dungsam/Punatsangchhu-I standoff is upon us. Kholongchhu project has been stalled – while talk of Sankosh Hydropower Project is gaining steam.

Quite obviously the bitch that bore the Satan is on heat once again! But hopefully Bhutan has learnt its lessons well. I pray to God that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Unfortunately, at times, God has the tendency to go on an extended siesta.