With plans to kickstart implementation activities of the 1,125 MW Dorjilung hydropower project, beginning with the start of the construction of access roads and bridges by mid-2025, DGPC conducted public consultation meetings at Autsho, Lhuntse on May 19, 2025 and at Gyalpoizhing, Mongar on May 20, 2025. While the project structures such as the dam, power house and the head race tunnel falls within Mongar Dzongkhag, the backwater once the dam is built falls within Lhuntse Dzongkhag.
The consultation meetings were organized to disseminate information about the project to the communities and stakeholders of Tsenkhar and Jarey Gewogs under Lhuntse Dzongkhag and Tsakaling, Chali, Tsamang, Saling, Mongar and Drepong Gewogs under Mongar Dzongkhag and it included the residents of the Autsho, Gyalpoizhing and Lingmithang throms. Together with the public, the Dasho Dzongdags of these two Dzongkhags together with the sector heads, the Trizins of the Dzongkhag Tshogdus, the Gups and Mangmis of the Gewogs and representatives of important institutions such as the Gyalsung Academy at Bondima also attended the consultation meetings. DGPC was represented by the Managing Director and Director (Projects & Contracts), Director (Corporate Services) and other project-related officers.
As part of the ongoing stakeholders engagement process, the Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Plan (LALRP) for the Project-Affected People (PAP), as finalized in line with the World Bank requirements, was also disclosed in detail.
A detailed presentation of the salient features of the project, the investigations including the environmental and social impact assessments, and the present status of the project was made to the gatherings. It was noted that DGPC had already obtained the approvals of the Department of Forest & Park Services, Dzongkhag Administration, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, the Government for taking forward the project implementation. The Environment Clearance was expected to be received shortly.
The project was expected to need about Nu. 145 billion in financing. DGPC informed that the World Bank, as the lead financier, had committed to provide most of the debt financing, including what would be required for DGPC’s equity. The Government had also approved for DGPC to enter into a strategic partnership with Tata Power of India holding 40% shares in the joint venture company to be incorporated. This partnership would further enable the project to access balance financing from India and get access to energy markets in India for sale of summer surplus generation. Based on these developments, DGPC had already started the bidding process for the roads and bridges.
It was noted that DGPC had already received No Objection Certificates from all the affected households. With the disclosure of the LALRP at the consultation meetings, DGPC informed that the project would immediately initiate acquisition of private and government land as disclosed and required for the project. The public expressed their full hearted support for the LALRP and the Dzongkhag and Gewog administrations would facilitate the acquisition of the land and other approvals as may be necessary.
The communities and stakeholders were highly supportive of the project. After many years of hearing about the project, they expressed gratitude that the project was finally going to see the light of day. They looked forward to working with the project, and for commercial and employment opportunities and the upliftment of their livelihoods.
