If statutory clearances are received on schedule, the 25 MW Begana Hydropower Project is expected to begin construction by the end of 2025. Earlier this month, officials from Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the projectโs core features, along with the findings from its environmental and social impact assessments.
According to DGPC, the project entails an investment of approximately Nu 2.906 billion, inclusive of Interest During Construction (IDC). The implementation timeline is projected at 34 months, which also incorporates a two-month pre-construction phase.
A Model of National Ownership
A DGPC official emphasized that the Begana Project will not be an isolated initiative but a continuation of a proven approach, one that draws its strength from Phase I of Bhutanโs small hydropower projects. In that earlier phase, the nation demonstrated that it could rely fully on its own talent, with Bhutanese engineers and professionals independently handling every critical component of the process – from detailed design and project management to construction and completion. By applying this same framework to the Begana Project, DGPC is reinforcing a model of self-reliance and technical mastery, one that reflects Bhutanโs broader vision of reducing dependence on foreign expertise while nurturing local capacity.
This approach also carries wider implications. It signals a shift in the hydropower sector from merely building infrastructure to cultivating a strong professional base that can sustain future projects, both domestically and abroad. The emphasis on Bhutanese-led execution ensures that the knowledge, skills, and confidence gained remain within the country, creating a multiplier effect for future generations of engineers and project managers. Beyond the tangible infrastructure, what is being built is a culture of technical sovereignty and professional pride.
โThis approach not only ensures national ownership and cost efficiency but also builds local technical expertise and institutional capacity within Bhutanโs hydropower sector,โ the official stated.
Community Perspectives
The project has generated significant interest and anticipation within the local communities of Dodena, Gasa Barma, Changdagang, and Kuzhugchen. For many residents, the Begana Project represents more than just an infrastructure development; it symbolizes opportunity, progress, and the promise of improved livelihoods. Villagers voiced excitement at the potential benefits, enhanced access to electricity, employment opportunities, and the possibility of ancillary economic activities that could uplift households and communities.
Alongside this enthusiasm, there was also an unmistakable tone of gratitude, with community members acknowledging the governmentโs efforts to bring tangible development to their doorsteps. Yet, woven into their optimism was a measure of cautious concern. Residents reflected on the possible environmental and social consequences that might accompany such a project, including changes to local ecosystems, shifts in traditional ways of living, and questions about how equitably the benefits would be shared.
This mix of emotions – excitement, gratitude, and concern – underscores the complex realities of development. For these communities, the project is not merely a technical venture but a deeply human one, carrying with it hopes for a better future while demanding careful balancing of local interests, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
Kinzang Chenzom, a resident of Dodena, remarked, โWe first heard about this project nearly two years ago. Now that construction is set to begin, I feel hopeful that it will improve our community and bring development.โ
Echoing this optimism, another resident, Dophu, underscored the importance of balancing progress with preservation. โWe welcome the project and the opportunities it will bring. At the same time, I hope the officials will carefully safeguard the environment and respect our religious heritage, as the area is spiritually significant to us.โ
Similarly, Kinga Zangmo observed that recent infrastructure activity in her chiwog already signals the onset of development. โI believe the Begana Project will accelerate this growth and help our community prosper further. This is a development that can benefit everyone,โ she noted.
Socio-Economic and Cultural Dimensions
DGPC highlighted that, beyond its core mandate of generating clean energy, the Begana Project carries the potential to create far-reaching socio-economic benefits. The project is expected to open avenues for direct employment, particularly for local youth, while also fostering engagement with small businesses and service providers in the surrounding areas. By embedding local participation into its operations, DGPC envisions not only stimulating the immediate economy but also creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building. Central to this approach is hands-on skills transfer, designed to further strengthen Bhutanese technical expertise in hydropower development and reduce reliance on external expertise in future ventures.
At the same time, DGPC acknowledged that hydropower development is not purely a technical or economic enterprise – it intersects with cultural, spiritual, and environmental dimensions that are deeply valued by Bhutanese society. The Begana project site, in particular, holds cultural and spiritual significance for local communities. Recognizing this, the corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to implement robust mitigation measures aimed at safeguarding sacred heritage, preserving local traditions, and minimizing ecological disturbance.
DGPC also emphasized that this balance – between development and preservation – will only be achieved through collaboration and dialogue. To this end, it pledged to work closely with community representatives, religious bodies, environmental experts, and local authorities throughout the project cycle. By doing so, the corporation seeks to ensure that the project becomes a model of responsible development, one that delivers clean energy and economic benefits while honoring Bhutanโs spiritual heritage and environmental ethos.
Regulatory Pathway
With strong public endorsement and institutional support, DGPC will now move to secure the necessary clearances from the Department of Forest and Park Services, Kawang Gewog Administration, and Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration. This process precedes the application for Environmental Clearance from the Department of Climate Change and Environment.
An official reiterated: โIf all clearances are obtained on time, construction is expected to commence by the end of 2025.โ
Strategic Significance
energy ambitions with broader national goals of self-reliance, urban resilience, and sustainable development.
Sherab Dorji from Thimphu
