Neten Dorji

Lhuentse—The ongoing construction of the 32MW Yungichhu Hydropower Project in Maedtsho gewog in Lhuentse is improving the lives of local residents. 

As the project progresses, it is already making a significant impact through improved infrastructure, new job opportunities, and economic growth.

For Tshering Lhamo, a farmer from Gortshom village, these improvements have been life-changing. She said that the construction of new roads and a bailey bridge has dramatically improved transportation, making daily life easier for villagers.

“We used to struggle to sell our farm products because markets like Autsho and Mongar were far, and transportation was very expensive. But now, we can sell our vegetables at the hydropower construction site itself, which saves us time and money,” Tshering Lhamo said.

Another farmer, 43-year-old Thuji Lhamo, said that the project has provided opportunities for residents of Zhongmey, Gondar, and Ongar who rely on farming.

“Besides selling agricultural produce and dairy products, such as cheese and butter, the project offers temporary job opportunities. We are very happy that the project is paving roads everywhere,” she added.

Choden, who is also from Gortshom said that the improved infrastructure has saved time for trips to Autsho and Mongar due to better roads.

“We never imagined having such a big project in our village. It’s not just about electricity, the development in our area is something we never thought possible,” said Choden. “We are already benefiting, and we believe the future will be even better.”

However, the Gortshom-Tshangthromoed Tshogpa, Kuenzang Tshering, said that while the project has brought benefits, there have also been some negative impacts.

“Trucks carrying heavy loads have damaged the roads and drainage system. The dust is harming crops and vegetables,” he said. “But people are relieved that once the project is completed, the roads will be improved.”

The hydro project has also benefited villagers, as it rents out homes, vehicles, and farmland to support the growing workforce. The job opportunities created by the project have helped many villagers acquire new skills.

Currently, 27 personnel from Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE) are managing and monitoring the project. The civil contractor, Rigsar Construction Private Limited, has employed about 351 workers, while Bhutan Hydro Service Limited, the hydro mechanical contractor, has 15 workers on-site.

“Many workers involved in the head race tunnel and other civil projects had little to no prior hands-on experience. However, they have now gained valuable skills that will create future opportunities for them,” an official from Rigsar Construction Private Limited said.

He added that this opened up opportunities for Bhutanese contractors to become eligible for future hydropower projects and to build their capacities.

The economic benefits extend beyond the project site. Improved infrastructure, such as roads, community temples, and bridges, has significantly boosted the economy of Maedtsho Gewog.

Maedtsho gup, Chedrup Sonam Lhendup said that the hydropower project has helped the gewog by improving infrastructure and stimulating the local economy.

“The construction of the bailey bridge has changed life for the Ongar community. It connects them to nearby villages and creates new opportunities. This is a big step forward for my people,” he added.

According to Druk Green Power Corporation, once the Yungichhu Hydropower Project is completed, it will ensure reliable electricity for the entire eastern region, providing year-round power supply to Lhuentse Dzongkhag. 

Any surplus electricity is planned to be sold to India during the summer season.

The Yungichhu project is one of the smaller hydropower projects being developed to accelerate the country’s economy and power supply. “The project not only promises a stable power supply but also offers hope for economic growth and better opportunities for the people of Lhuentse,” said the project official.

Meanwhile, to oversee and ensure compliance with environment clearance certificates during the project’s construction, an Occupational Health and Safety focal person has been hired by both DHyE and the civil contractor.

The DHyE Environmental Office is coordinating with the government’s environment and forest offices to plan environmental restoration activities and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.