Deep dive into the resilience of Bhutan’s water sector

THIMPHU, BHUTAN - On 21 May 2024, experts and government officials met to conduct an in-depth analysis of the water sector to identify opportunities for mitigating disaster risks in the sector.

Stakeholders attending the consultation represent Bhutan's key agencies related to the Water Sector, while experts also had separate meetings with the Department of Water, allowing for more focused discussions.

These activities were conducted as part of the project "Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience Governance in Bhutan" between the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). The Water Deep Dive builds on the broader project's findings, delving deeper into this sector.

The project assesses stakeholders, policies, practices, and vulnerabilities across six essential infrastructure sectors: Water, Transport, Energy, ICT, Health, and Education. This methodology emphasizes the systemic nature of infrastructure to increase net resilience gains by exploring the interconnectedness between infrastructure sectors and the nexus of actors, policies, practices, and vulnerabilities. The water sector was selected for a detailed analysis given its pivotal role in Bhutan's livelihood and economy. Locally, water quality is crucial for public health, while irrigation supports food production. Nationally, hydropower is a cornerstone of Bhutan's economy, driving domestic industries and serving as a significant export.

During the consultation, representatives from every aspect of the water system-from supply to end use and wastewater-were invited to enrich desk research findings. This collaborative effort enhanced the analysis and raised awareness about the necessity of inter-agency coordination and information sharing. Participants reflected on their agencies' strengths and weaknesses in water resilience governance, learning from each other and gaining a holistic view of the water sector as an interconnected system.

Key initial findings from the water deep dive include:

• Pipeline Resilience: Disruptions in water services, primarily due to landslides, highlight the critical need for resilient pipelines and better asset management.
• National Water Inventory: There is an urgent need to complete a national water inventory to understand water resources and identify potential shortages.
• Water Quality Improvements: While some water treatment plants exist, further investment and adoption of new technologies are necessary to enhance water quality.
• Capacity Building and Education: There is a pressing need for grassroots-level capacity building and education to strengthen water resilience.

This initiative significantly improves Bhutan's infrastructure resilience governance, particularly within the Water Sector. The insights from this consultation will inform future actions to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts and build a more resilient Bhutan.