| Author | Kaflay, Udai |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-97-23 |
| Subject(s) | Water resources development--Bhutan--Thimphu Chhu Valley
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Wang Chhu Basin in Bhutan is one of the most economically active region in the country. The rapid urbanization of the region, especially, Thimphu and Paro, Industrial Estate developments, slow and steady expansion of agricultural sector and development of hydropower projects are the major stakeholders competing for water resources allocation. The research was focused on the general overview of water resources assessment in Thimphu Chhu valley, one of the main tributaries of Wang Chhu. The water resources available and consumption in the region were assessed and the historical trend was studied. It was observed that over the years, the total water availability in the river, at Chukha, has decreased by around 15% in a period of 30 years. At the same time, the water requirement in the region has increased by 57% - (domestic water demand 89% and agriculture water demand 42%). There are many factors that could have contributed towards the change in water balance in the region. At this juncture, therefore, assigning a quantitative index to each factor was difficult because of inadequate data available, complexity and dynamism of the watershed and limited time period to carry out detailed experimental research. Since there is a wide scope for economic development in the region, and also there are many promising and economically attractive hydropower projects development prospects on Wang Chhu, it is predicted that the water demand in the region will be doubled in the next ten fifteen years. Under such circumstances, the management of water resources and land resources in the region have to be placed at top priority Given this reality, the study recommends that a total integrated water and land resources management be implemented immediately to avert the adverse impacts that are deemed to prevail in near future if unchecked today. It is felt necessary that a responsible authority be established who shall be responsible for assessing, evaluating and monitoring all the water resources and plan for development for full harnessing of water resources potential. And further researches are encouraged in water resources field. It is strongly felt that in pursuance of economic development, conservation of environment and elevation of social welfare of every Bhutanese go hand in hand. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Takizawa, Satoshi; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Ishibashi, Yoshinobu ;Fujiwara, Okitsugu; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Danish International Development Assistance
(DANIDA); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |