21/07/2026
Bilateral Cooperation between the Government of India (GoI) and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) on Trans‑border River Flood Management
Under the bilateral mechanism between Bhutan and India, the Government of India supports the “Comprehensive Scheme for Establishment of Hydro‑meteorological and Flood Forecasting Network on Rivers Common to India and Bhutan,” a collaborative initiative started in 1955. Within this framework, Bhutan, as the upper riparian State, shares hydro‑meteorological data with India to facilitate flood forecasting in the Indian States of Assam and West Bengal.
The Government of India provides financial support to the Royal Government of Bhutan for the operation and maintenance of the hydro‑meteorological network in Bhutan. The Scheme is implemented by the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Royal Government of Bhutan, in coordination with the Central Water Commission (CWC), Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
On 21 July 2026, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, handed over a cheque amounting to Nu. 27.37 million from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, to the Director General, National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM). This represents the second instalment of funds released for the operation of the Hydromet Scheme in Bhutan.
In addition, the Government of India, through Project Field Assistance, is supporting the establishment of a new NCHM Headquarters and 24/7 National Weather and Flood Warning Centre (NWFWC) at Yuspang, Thimphu, at a cost of Nu. 327 million under the 13th Five‑Year Plan (FYP). The new facility is expected to significantly enhance NCHM’s capacity to deliver hydromet services for climate‑resilient development and strengthen disaster preparedness in Bhutan.
The Director General, on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan, expressed sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of India for their continued support and collaboration.