Bhutan Daily News 31-10-23
- Saidpiece
- Nov 1, 2023
- 4 min read
1. Inauguration of Khaling Bridge in Trashigang
The bridge is located around four kilometers away from Khaling towards Wamrong along the Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar Highway. The construction of the bridge started in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and bad weather during monsoons delayed the work. The construction of the bridge was completed earlier this year. The Government of India funded the project with a budget of Nu 28.7 M.
2. Bhutan Recognized for Rubella Elimination
WHO's Regional Director Dr Poonam K Singh presented a plaque and a citation to Pemba Wangchuk, the Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
According to the Health Ministry, this is in recognition of the commitment and efforts of the Bhutanese government, and sustained collaboration with WHO and partners in eliminating the disease.
3. Delayed Paddy Harvest in Paro Villages
Paddy harvest in most villages of Paro has been delayed this season. This, farmers say is due to the limited number of combine harvesters which are used for harvesting paddy. The use of combine harvester machines has gained popularity in the district since last year as it has eased the paddy harvesting work. However, most of them are frustrated with the current situation as they are racing against time to start their paddy harvest.
4. Nganglam to Gets 50-Bed Hospital
Residents of Nganglam in Pema Gatshel will have their much-awaited 50-bed hospital in the 13th Five-Year Plan if everything goes as planned. The ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the hospital was held yesterday. Construction of the hospital is one of the pledges the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa made during the 2021 Nganglam bye-election. However, according to the health secretary, the health ministry is currently exploring funds to commence construction in the upcoming Five Year Plan.
5. Bhutan Showcases Handicrafts in Qatar
Over two hundred Bhutanese living in Qatar attended the event. According to the association, the outlet which opened yesterday is helping them directly access the international market. The Agriculture and Livestock Ministry and the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Ministry have supported the team in accessing the exhibition.
6. Yogurt Unit Empowers Livestock Farmers
In Samdrup Jongkhar, a yogurt-processing unit set up recently by a couple for their son who is half-paralyzed has provided the local livestock farmers with a platform to sell their milk and livestock products. The couple have set up the unit in Phuentsholing Gewog as a means to secure their son’s future.
7. Bhutan's Electricity Generation in 2022
The annual electricity generation from the plants in operation in 2022 reached 10,752 million units (MU). Out of this, 3,295 MU was consumed domestically, while 7,819 MU was exported to India. Notably, the Mangdechhu hydropower plant alone contributed to Nu. 12,542 million to the total gross revenue of Nu. 27,887 million generated in 2022. For the Mangdechhu hydropower plant, a principal loan repayment of Nu. 6,962 million and an interest payment of Nu. 5,033 million were made in 2022. In April 2023, during His Majesty The King's visit to New Delhi, the export tariff of the Chhukha hydropower plant was revised from Nu. 2.55 to Nu. 3.00 per unit, with retrospective effect from January 1, 2021.
As of July 2023, the physical progress of the Punatsangchhu I and II projects stands at 87.74 percent and 95.42 percent, respectively. Additionally, the 118MW Nikachhu hydropower project is nearing completion and is set to be commissioned by the end of this year. The Punatsangchhu II project remains on track for commissioning in December 2024.
8. Private Sector Concerns with Postal Ballot System
Growing discontent is evident among private sector employees concerning the current postal ballot system. They are questioning the fairness of a system that appears to favor civil servants, which raises concerns about unequal treatment under the law. Some have proposed practical solutions, like nominal fees or local voting stations, to ease the financial burden and inconvenience faced by non-civil servants. They are urging the government and the Election Commission of Bhutan to reconsider their policies, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to ensure equal voting rights for all citizens.
9. Bhutan Shines at Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia 2023
The Agri-food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) has traditionally stood as Asia's leading platform for the exhibition of pioneering products, services, and solutions in the global Agri-Food and Agri-Tech industry. Bhutan has made its inaugural appearance at AFTEA 2023, signifying a remarkable leap forward for the nation's agricultural sector.
This event, which commenced today and will continue until November 2, has created significant anticipation in the industry. Bhutan's participation underscores its dedication to the advancement of agriculture and technology on an international stage.
Several Bhutanese companies have taken part in this global exhibition, including Bhutan Agro Industries Limited, Gurjo Herbal Tea, Druksell, Touch from Heaven, Sibjam, and Bhutan Mountain Coffee. These companies represent the diverse range of agricultural and agri-tech expertise emerging from Bhutan and have showcased their unique offerings at the expo.
The exhibition has been designed as a platform where businesses can network, collaborate, exchange knowledge, and establish enduring partnerships to support and advance the needs of the global agri-tech industry. As Bhutan's first participation at AFTEA, it aims to showcase the nation's rich agricultural heritage, sustainable practices, and technological innovations.
Bhutan's involvement in AFTEA 2023 signals the country's desire to contribute to the international discourse on sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. As the expo unfolds, it is expected to bring to light Bhutan's unique blend of tradition and innovation, providing a fresh perspective on the Agri-Food and Agri-Tech sectors, while fostering global cooperation and knowledge exchange.
10. Thorthormi GLOF Assessment by NCHM
A three-member expert team from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), led by Karma Toeb, Specialist/Glaciologist, Phuntsho Tshering, Glaciologist, and Sangay Tenzin, EWS Engineer, left for Lunana this morning at around 8:30 AM from Lungtenphug Helipad to assess the risks of the Thorthormi lake after the October 30 GLOF incident.
Meanwhile, the NCHM Lunana staff, along with others in Lunana, spent the entire night at the Thorthormi lake site, monitoring the situation. Thorthormi Automatic Water Level Sensors (AWLS) were reported damaged due to yesterday's GLOF incident.
The water level at the Thanza Flood Warning Station is currently reported as normal, and there is no imminent risk downstream as the water level is still below the risk level. NCHM is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates if there are any significant changes.
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