Jigmechhu, Chhukha: At a public consultation that was held on 12 January 2026, the communities from Bongo and Darla Gewogs under Chhukha Dzongkhag and Lhamoizingkha Gewog under Dagana Dzongkhag committed their very strong support for the 570 MW Wangchhu hydropower project.
Aligned with Bhutan’s Renewable Energy Roadmap, which targets 25,000 MW installed generation capacity by 2040, the Wangchhu project would not only ensure Bhutan’s future energy security but help build on the already very strong bilateral cooperation between Bhutan and India in the energy sector. The Wangchhu was the first project being taken up for implementation under the strategic partnership entered into between DGPC and the Adani Group to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower generation capacity in Bhutan.
In Gratitude to His Majesty the King
The consultation with the public was organized to inform and engage with the local communities and stakeholders on the Wangchhu project’s scope, benefits, and expected impacts. Representing the over 210 directly affected households, some 250 community members and senior officials from the Chhukha Dzongkhag, including the Dzongdag, attended the public consultation.
The community members thanked His Majesty the King and the Royal Government of Bhutan for prioritizing the investment in the long-awaited Wangchhu project, which would not only benefit the country but help to greatly uplift the socio-economic well-being of the communities in the immediate vicinity of the project.
The community members further expressed their happiness that the foundation stone for the project had already been laid jointly by the Prime Minister of Bhutan and the Chairman of the Adani Group in the august presence of His Majesty the King on 3 January 2026 in the Kuenrey Hall of Tashichhodzong. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project had also been held virtually on 3 January 2026 in the presence of the Prime Minister of Bhutan and the Chairman of the Adani Group.
consultation meeting with Community
The public greatly appreciated the role of Adani Power in partnering with DGPC and fast-tracking the implementation of project. Towards this, DGPC and Adani Power had registered the strategic partnership company and a Chief Executive Officer had already been posted. The company had further initiated the bidding process for taking up the construction of the access roads and bridges to the different project components.
At the consultation meeting, the communities were informed that, apart from Government land and structures, some private land and a few structures would have to be acquired for the project. The acquisition of private land and structure would be undertaken in close co-ordination with the local governments. It was noted that the role of the Chhukha Dzongkhag administration would be critical in the acquisition of the private land and structures and in settling any issues and/or grievances.
The project aimed to work very closely with the local communities and serve as a model for community centered development. The community members noted the opportunities for employment for the local people and commercial activities with increased demand for local produce and goods. The local infrastructure such as roads and bridges would be further improved by the project for better connectivity. The Jigmechhu area eco-tourism would also get a boost.
Considering the overall benefits to the country and the people, the public expressed their full support for the Wangchhu project, especially in the acquisition of the private land and structures as required by the project.
