Bhutan Daily News 24-01-24

1. PDP Nominates Speaker and Deputy Speaker Candidate

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) nominates Lungten Dorji for the position of Speaker and Sangay Khandu for Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly. The decision was reached unanimously during a party meeting, and the election for the two posts is scheduled for tomorrow.

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2. Residents of Dotey Gewog Request Road Widening

Residents of Dotey Gewog in Paro appeal for the widening and improvement of the gewog center road. The narrow six-kilometer stretch has raised concerns due to increased vehicular traffic. While maintenance work is ongoing, residents are advocating for a more comprehensive solution involving road widening.

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3. Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Dam Construction Completed

The dam construction of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a 1020 megawatt project in Wangdue Phodrang, has been completed after more than 13 years. Around 97% of the project's overall work is now finished. A prayer ceremony marked the completion, attended by an Indian delegation and Bhutanese officials. Reservoir filling is expected to begin next month, and the project aims to commission two units by June and all six units by December this year.

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4. Gold Smuggling Case in Haa Forwarded to Attorney General

Police in Haa forward a gold smuggling case involving seven individuals to the Office of the Attorney General. Six individuals are currently in detention, while one remains at large. The incident, which reportedly occurred in September, involved the smuggling of 33 kilograms of gold into the country. A detainee had reported the loss of 11 kilograms of gold in December, claiming that his son transporting the gold had been robbed.

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5. Surge in Ecotourism at Jigmechu Campsite in Chhukha

The Jigmechu ecotourism campsite in Chhukha experiences a significant surge in visitors, especially from districts like Thimphu and Paro. Over the last three months, more than three hundred people have visited the campsite, contributing to the community group earning over Nu 100,000 during the New Year festivities.

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6. Request for Motorable Bridge in Lamga Village, Wangdue Phodrang

Residents of Lamga village in Athang Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang, request a motorable bridge over Pharichhu. The existing wooden bridge gets washed away during the summer, causing transportation issues for the community. The request is made to address the challenges faced by the community during the monsoon season.

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7. Handicrafts Association Supports Khengrig Namsum Cooperative with Food Lab Technologies

The Handicrafts Association of Bhutan provides food lab technologies worth almost Nu 2 million to Zhemgang's Khengrig Namsum Cooperative. The equipment, including a grinder, vacuum packaging machine, and freeze dryers, is aimed at enhancing the cooperative's processing capabilities and reducing food waste.

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8. Department of Tourism Bhutan Waives Sustainable Development Fees for MICE Events

The Department of Tourism Bhutan announces the immediate waiver of Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) to support the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Organizers of MICE events can apply for SDF waivers for qualifying events meeting specific criteria.

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9. Revenue Collection at Phuentsholing Pedestrian Terminal

The Regional Immigration Office in Phuentsholing collected about Nu 64 million in revenue from the user fee charged at the pedestrian terminal between November 2022 and December 2023. This revenue contributes to the immigration services provided at the terminal.

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10. DeSuung National Service Water Project in Sarpang Resolves Water Scarcity

The DeSuung National Service Water Project addresses water scarcity for farmers in the remote Lhayul village in Chhudzom gewog, Sarpang. The project aims to provide a sustainable solution to water-related challenges in the region.