Bhutan’s vital hydropower sector is facing operational challenges as Tala Hydropower Project contends with persistent overtopping at the dam, raising concerns about water management and structural safety. As of October 9, 2025, authorities continue to manage the situation amid ongoing weather pressures and technical hurdles.
The Tala Dam, one of the nation’s largest hydropower facilities, has experienced overtopping caused by partially opened radial gates blocked by accumulated silt and debris. This obstruction has prevented reservoir levels from lowering despite a reduction in inflow, complicating efforts to maintain safe water levels. Currently, the inflow from Chhukha Dam, which feeds Tala, stands at approximately 175 cubic meters per second.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) reported that teams are actively clearing logs and debris from the dam’s gates using excavators. This maintenance is critical to allow detailed inspections of the dam’s power pack, hydraulic cylinders, and other key components. Experts and engineers have been mobilized to evaluate the situation comprehensively and plan repairs to mitigate further risks.
While Tala faces challenges, other major hydropower plants across Bhutan continue to operate at full capacity under close supervision. Facilities such as Mangdechhu, Nikachhu, Basochhu, Kurichhu, and Punatsangchhu-II are functioning optimally, ensuring that the nation’s energy supply remains stable. Authorities are monitoring these plants meticulously to address any emerging issues promptly.
The Dagachhu Hydropower Project resumed full operations on October 6 after a temporary shutdown but underwent an emergency shutdown on October 9 to assess the Head Race Conduit (HRC), a critical component directing water flow to turbines. Officials emphasized that such preventive assessments are essential to safeguard efficiency and operational safety.
Meanwhile, smaller facilities like the Suchhu Small Hydropower Project have faced damage due to torrential rains on October 5, particularly affecting southern Bhutan. Heavy rainfall eroded backfill materials around the plant and exposed sections of the penstock pipe, which channels water to turbines. Repair works are underway to restore full functionality.
Other hydropower projects, including Punatsangchhu-II, are also under close observation. The project resumed operations on October 8, with five units active while one unit undergoes maintenance and upgrades. Authorities continue to monitor these operations to ensure stability and optimal performance amid ongoing challenges.
The recent heavy rains have compounded operational difficulties, complicating maintenance and repair efforts across the sector. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to ensuring energy security, coordinating closely with Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, Bhutan Power Corporation Limited, and the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology. These agencies are actively involved in overseeing restoration, safety assessments, and operational stability of the nation’s hydropower infrastructure.
Experts point out that the recent overtopping event highlights the vulnerability of hydropower infrastructure to natural and operational factors. “Tala is a reminder that Bhutan’s hydropower, while world-class, is not immune to the forces of nature. Maintenance, sediment management, and infrastructure modernization are critical for long-term resilience,” said a senior engineer familiar with national hydropower projects.
The incident at Tala also highlights the intricate interconnectedness of Bhutan’s energy system. Hydropower in the country operates as a finely balanced network, where a disruption at one major facility can ripple across the grid, potentially affecting power supply, revenue generation, and downstream water management. For example, any prolonged operational issues at Tala could impact water flows to other hydropower plants, complicating energy distribution and reducing overall efficiency. This makes real-time coordination and communication between key agencies—Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, Bhutan Power Corporation Limited, and the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology—absolutely vital. These institutions must work collaboratively to monitor water levels, forecast inflows, adjust generation schedules, and deploy contingency measures to prevent system-wide disruptions.
Beyond operational coordination, the situation underscores the urgent need to integrate climate resilience and disaster preparedness into Bhutan’s hydropower strategy. Increasingly frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flash floods, pose significant risks to dams, penstocks, and ancillary infrastructure. Such events not only threaten physical assets but also the reliability of energy supply, which is critical for economic growth and domestic consumption. To safeguard the sector, the government and hydropower operators must prioritize preventive maintenance, sediment management, and structural reinforcement, alongside advanced monitoring systems that provide real-time data on water levels, gate functionality, and structural stress.
Investment in infrastructure upgrades is equally essential. Modernization of gates, turbines, and control systems, combined with predictive analytics and early warning systems, will allow operators to anticipate hazards and respond proactively. Developing emergency response protocols and enhancing workforce training for rapid intervention can further mitigate risks. Ultimately, sustaining Bhutan’s energy security in the face of climatic and operational challenges requires a holistic approach—one that combines technological innovation, rigorous maintenance, coordinated management, and climate-informed planning.
Authorities remain cautiously optimistic that coordinated efforts will restore full operational stability at Tala and other affected projects. The government continues to prioritize a reliable and sustainable energy supply to support national development while safeguarding critical infrastructure from natural and technical risks.
As Bhutan moves toward expanding its hydropower capacity, the challenges at Tala serve as a timely reminder: resilience, proactive management, and continuous investment are as vital to the sector as the rivers that power it. The nation’s energy future depends not only on building new dams but also on maintaining and modernizing existing assets to meet the demands of development and climate change.
By Sherab Dorji
From Thimphu
