National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan, 2016 (Bhutan)

The National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (NIWRMP) has been prepared on the basis of climatic, hydrological, and social/institutional assessments to determine historical data and model future projections. Physical, institutional and socio-economic realities, as well as stakeholder participation, were likewise considered. According to the NIWRMP, there are reported water shortage and scarcity at the local community level, yet no pressing problems at the larger scale of the river basins, suggesting that the issues can be addressed with improved access. The challenge is to coordinate and integrate water management plans. The overall goal of the Plan is to establish the framework and priorities for the implementation of integrated water resources management in Bhutan. The Plan establishes the principles and mechanisms under which agencies involved in the water sector, together with river basin stakeholders, can coordinate their respective plans and activities, as well as collectively monitor progress toward attainment of IWRM objectives. Therefore, the Plan serves as a foundation for water resource stakeholders to work together to achieve a common goal to provide sufficient and sustainable quantity and quality of water for all types of water needs and services, and to protect people from water-related disasters.