Water issues in Bhutan: Internal disputes and external tensions

Abstract

The geographical location and landlocked nature of Bhutan isolates her from the rest of the world. It is a water-rich country with per capita availability of 109,000 cubic metres every year. Despite being water-rich country a number of people do not get adequate amount of waters. Internal water disputes are also there due to functional leakages of the institutions. To generate energy, Bhutan with the help from India taps its water resources. The two countries have signed a number of treaties to cooperate in water sector since 1961. Over the years some of the India aided projects have become a cause for concern to a section of Bhutanese population.