Bhutan launches guiding tool for National Integrated Water Master Plan

2026-03-22 - 10:22

Observing the World Water Day today, the Department of Water and UNICEF Bhutan launched a guiding tool for the development of National Integrated Water Master Plan. This will be a tool to achieve safe, sufficient and affordable water across the country by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. The guiding tool provides a step-by-step approach to improving water management by assessing current conditions, strengthening policies, organising data, building capacity, monitoring progress, and securing sustainable financing. According to the National Water and Sanitation Report 2025, nearly 69 per cent of households in Bhutan benefit from the water supply schemes or projects. However, the Department of Water has highlighted the risk of water sources drying up due to climate change and forest degradation, among other factors, emphasising the need for a Water Master Plan. Dechen Yangden, the director of the Department of Water said, “We bring in all the users together so that we ensure that all the interests of the multiple users are taken care. So, that’s why we have this Guiding Tool developed for Water Master Plan. So that’s the first and foremost step moving towards implementing formulation of Integrated Water Resource Master Plan.” She added that the department has already begun work on the Water Master Plan development for Gasa, Tsirang and Punakha districts. “We will have it done for Thimphu and Paro. Eventually, this will lead to the Punatsangchhu Water Master Plan. So, hopefully by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan we will have the Water Master Plan for Punatsangchhu and Wangchhu developed. Now, moving forward we plan to cover this for the entire nation.” Besides the tool, the Bhutan Drinking Water Quality Standards 2025, National Water and Sanitation Report 2025, and National Water Resources Inventory 2026 were released during the World Water Day today. These reports will provide a clear, evidence-based guide to manage water in the country, support better planning, protect public health, and strengthen resilience to climate change. With these tools and reports, Bhutan is taking important steps to secure its water for the future. Singye Dema