Hydropower, spirituality, ecology nexus

From: Bhutan observer

9 April 2010

Bhutan Power Corporation’s 20 mw hydropower plant in Begana-Dodena area in Thimphu has raised environmental and spiritual concerns among the public. The power plant, which will be built in the sacred vicinity of Chari Monastery, overlaps Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP). The diversion dam will be located about 3.5 km from the road head within the park. The power house will be located in Begana.

Tranquillity threatened Once the construction of the plant starts, approach road will be built and heavy machinery deployed. Chari monks say that the resulting noise will disturb the monks in retreat at the drubdey. Tuelku Ngawang Jigme Namgyal from Chari Drubdey said the power plant would not only disturb the monks in retreat, but also sanctity of the place where gods and deities reside. The outskirts of Begana after Janay Bridge are considered sanctified. The truelku said that the vicinity of Tango Shedra and Chari Drubdey has been used by religious practitioners for hundreds of years to pursue a life of austere retreat and meditation.

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