Power project funded by India inaugurated in Bhutan

New Delhi, Apr 26 (UNI) A Rs 560 crore hydro-electric project, funded by India, was inaugurated in Mongar district in Eastern Bhutan today, marking yet another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two countries in hydro-power sector.

The Kurichhu Hydro-Electric Project (HEP), a run-of-the river 60 MW project on Kurichhu river, was inaugurated by Bhutan's Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel and India's Ambassador to that country Sudhir Vyas.

The ceremony was also attended by Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Bhutan's Minister for Trade, Industry and Power, and other dignitaries.

''The Kurichhu Hydro Electric Project marks yet another milestone in the ongoing partnership between India and Bhutan in the hydro power sector. It is a manifestation of the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the potential that exists for joint projects for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries,'' a spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry here said.

The project was executed by the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC) and was commissioned in 2002.

Kurichhu HEP supplies electricity to eight districts in Eastern Bhutan and another two districts will be covered after the completion of the Tingtibi-Trongsa-Bumthang Transmission Line funded by India in the 9th Five Year Plan of Bhutan.

Surplus power from Bhutan is exported to India.

UNI RB YA BST1938