As a part of the project titled ‘Study on Minimum Environmental (E) Flow for Hydropower Projects in Bhutan- Final Phase’, the Water Resources Coordination Division is conducting a training workshop on Unit VI: 2D hydrodynamic modelling for habitat simulations, and Unit VIII: Aquatic habitat modelling for E-flow Assessment from September 1-6, 2022 in Punakha. So far, we have successfully completed training on Unit I, Unit II, Unit III, Unit IV, Unit VII, and unit IX of the nine units under the E-flow module.

The training workshop on unit VI will enable the participants to setup high-resolution hydrodynamic models for E-Flow assessment based on different sources of survey data, run simulations for low flow situations, as well as visualize and evaluate modelling results. The unit VIII will equip participants with habitat modelling to understand the habitat requirement of the aquatic species, evaluate the outcomes of habitat models and their relevance for E-Flow. With this, we have completed all E-flow trainings except for the practical component of E-flow unit V.

The workshop is being attended by officials from Department of Livestock, Department of Forest and Park Services, Department of Hydropower and Power Systems, Department of Engineering Services, Bhutan Electricity Authority, Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research, College of Science and Technology, College of Natural Resources, Sherubtse College, and National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS).

The project is coordinated and implemented by the NECS in collaboration with key stakeholders and is funded by the Austrian Development Agency.