A public consultation meeting for the 25 MW Begana Integrated Multipurpose Small Hydropower Project was held on August 4, 2025, at the Kawang Gewog Center, Thimphu. The project, identified under the Transformative Initiative in Energy, is a critical intervention aimed at strengthening Bhutan’s energy security, diversifying its renewable energy portfolio, and supporting local capacity development.
Located under Kawang Gewog in Thimphu Dzongkhag, the Begana Project is envisioned as a multipurpose infrastructure that will not only generate clean and sustainable electricity but also enhance drinking water supply for Thimphu and surrounding peri-urban communities. As a small yet strategic hydropower development, it will contribute to reducing over-reliance on large hydropower plants and seasonality based hydropower vulnerable generation, thus improving grid reliability and year-round supply.
The consultation was organized to inform and engage the local community and stakeholders on the project’s scope, benefits, and expected impacts. Attendees included Dasho Dzongdag of Thimphu Dzongkhag, the Dzongkhag Thrizin, Gup and Gewog officials of Kawang, Sector Heads, and key religious and institutional representatives such as the Chairperson of Dorden Tashithang Buddhist University, Lams from Tango and Chagri Monasteries, and the Lam of Drolung Goenpa. Officials from the Department of Energy, Department of Forest and Park Services, Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd, Gerab Nyed-Yon Ltd, and Druk Hydro Energy Ltd were also present. Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) was represented by its Managing Director, Director (Projects & Contracts), and technical team members.
A comprehensive presentation was made, outlining the project’s salient features and findings from the environmental and social impact assessments. The project, with an estimated cost of Nu. 2,906.43 million including Interest During Construction (IDC) is scheduled for completion within 34 months, including a two-month pre-construction phase.
In line with the successful approach adopted in Phase I small hydropower projects, the detailed design, project management, and construction of the Begana Project will be fully undertaken by Bhutanese professionals. This model not only ensures national ownership and cost efficiency but also directly contributes to enhancing local technical expertise and institutional capacity within the country’s hydropower sector.
Community members and stakeholders expressed overwhelming support for the project, acknowledging its potential to deliver significant socio-economic benefits. These include local employment, business opportunities, and hands-on skills transfer to further strengthen Bhutanese technical capacity. At the same time, a number of the attendees highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of the project site, emphasizing the need for sensitive and responsible implementation with robust mitigation measures to protect the area’s sacred heritage and natural environment. DGPC assured to work very closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the concerns were addressed.
With the endorsement of the public and key institutions, DGPC will now proceed to seek formal clearances from the Department of Forest and Park Services, Kawang Gewog Administration, and Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration, prior to applying for the Environmental Clearance from the Department of Climate Change and Environment.
If all clearances are received on time, the project construction is expected to start by the end of 2025.
