Hydropower Projects: A shift in Thinking

Yet again there is discussion happening on our failed hydropower projects.

Discussions are good, provided they culminate in sound policies. But all indications are that no sound polices or thinking are emanating from these discussions. A case in point is the contemplated barrage for the Punatsangchhu I, in place of the failed Dam.

I have said many a time before: I am not against hydropower – but against the manner in which it is done in Bhutan. No sane Bhutanese can or should support any project that vandalizes the environment, result in human displacement, and with cost overruns that total close to 400% at 10% annual interest.

My view on the Barrage Project for Punatsangchu Project I:

It will be nothing more than a depository for trillions of tons of debris that will be deposited into it by the annual flooding of the Punatsangchu.

One of the issues that remained conspicuously silent and un-discussed with the P1 Dam project was the issue related to the silting and de-silting of the Dam, even if it got built. Did the Project Authorities have a foolproof plan as to how they were going to tackle the mammoth problem?

In my thinking any discussion on Kholongchu Project is futile – that project is not likely to happen given the compulsions surrounding it.

The law makers need to know something at this point in time so that they may make informed decisions. The inefficient design, planning and implementation of the projects have a direct bearing on the cost to the Bhutanese home energy consumers.

The government can absorb it – the project can absorb it – the industries that consume the energy can absorb it by passing on the additional cost to the consumers. The only persons who cannot absorb the high energy cost, resulting from the inefficiency of the project authorities will be the poor people.

It is therefore poor people like me who have to resort to whaling cries of woe – year after year.

The planners and lawmakers should now stop talking of new hydropower projects. In fact they should stop talking about hydropower projects entirely.

Instead, let them talk about constructing a water storage reservoir on the Wangchhu – to augment water supply to the two existing projects downstream - during the winter months. Bring to focus the import bill of electricity during the winter months.

The lawmakers should talk of cheaper funding sources – not sources that charge us 10% annual interest rates.

Remember, India got their funding from Japan for their Bullet Train Project. They were charged only:

0.01%

Let us wisen up!