India-assisted Mangdechhu hydroelectric project in Bhutan bags prestigious Brunel Medal

NewsBharati    23-Oct-2020 11:32:22 AM
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New Delhi, October 23: Indian Civil engineering excellence is shining in the world as the India-assisted Mangdechhu hydroelectric project has won the prestigious Brunel Medal for excellence in civil engineering by the UK-based Institute of civil engineers on Thursday.
 
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The Institute of Civil Engineers said the project provided employment opportunities to the local community, particularly families affected by the venture, and facilitated local people to take up business activities. The Project also supported various schools and health facilities through the up-gradation of the existing infrastructures. The number of drinking water facilities/irrigation channels for providing water for irrigation was developed by the Project.
 
 
India's Ambassador to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj expressed her happiness, saying, “I am delighted that the Mangdechhu Award jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and Dr. Lotay Tshering in Bhutan last year, has been conferred the prestigious Brunel Medal. A rightful recognition of its excellence, as well as an outstanding example of our two countries working together towards a shared goal.”
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the 720 MW project on August 17 last year saying the project a "crucial milestone celebrating India-Bhutan ties" and "this project shows how the two nations working together can bring immense positivity in the lives of people."
 
The construction of the plant began in 2012 and was completed in seven years, officials said. India funded the project through a 70 percent loan and a 30 percent grant to Bhutan. It is one of seven hydroelectric projects being developed by Bhutan with India’s support as part of the Himalayan country’s plans to generate 10 GW of hydropower.
 
The Mangdechhu Project has earned a revenue of Rs/Nu 1300 crores within one year of commissioning, which has exceeded the projected target of Rs/Nu 1200 crores. All four units of the Project are running at full capacity and generating 18.7 Million Units/day at 779 MW since 2 August 2020. The Project is a run of the river project located in the Trongsa district of Bhutan.
 
Apart from the project Indian government has constructed Three more Hydroelectric Projects in Bhutan inclusive of the 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric project (HEP), the 336 MW Chukha HEP, the 60 MW Kurichhu HEP. Besides that more than three Hydroelectric projects the including 200 MW Punatsangchhu-I, the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II and the 600 MW Kholongchhu are under construction.