India-Bhutan Cooperation

A scheme titled “Comprehensive Scheme for Establishment of Hydro-meteorological and Flood Forecasting Network on rivers Common to India and Bhutan” is in operation. The network consists of 32 Hydro-meteorological/ meteorological stations located in Bhutan and being maintained by the Royal Government of Bhutan with funding from India. The data received from these stations are utilized in India for formulating flood forecasts.

Joint Experts Team (JET) consisting of senior officials from the Government of India and Royal Government of Bhutan(RGoB) continuously reviews the progress and other requirements of a network of 32 hydro-meteorological sites in the catchments of rivers Puthimari, Pagladiya, Sunkosh, Manas, Raidak ,Torsa, Aie and Jaldhaka common to India and Bhutan. So far JET has met 36 times alternately in India and Bhutan since its reconstitution in 1992 and the last JET meeting i.e. 36th meeting was held at Darjeeling, West Bengal during 28-29th September, 2022.

A Joint Group of Expert (JGE) on Flood Management has been constituted between India and Bhutan to discuss and assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and recommend to both Governments appropriate and mutually acceptable remedial measures. Nine meetings of JGE have been held so far. The 9th meeting was held during 7-8th January, 2020 at Punakha, Bhutan.

In accordance with the decision taken during the first meeting of JGE, a Joint Technical Team (JTT) on Flood Management between the two countries was constituted. The purpose of JTT is to assess the field situation and provide technical support to JGE on flood management. Six meetings of JTT have been held so far. The 6th meeting of JTT was held during 12 -13th September, 2019 at Jalpaiguri, India.