DHPL Welcomes Joint World Bank Group Mission to Review Environmental and Social Readiness of the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project (DHPP)
Oct 08, 2026
DHPL Welcomes Joint World Bank Group Mission to Review Environmental and Social Readiness of the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project (DHPP)
Gyelpozhing, 08 October 2026: Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL) hosted a joint World Bank Group (WBG) mission to the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project (DHPP) from 3 to 7 October 2026. The 15-member WBG’s delegation was led by Mr. Janmejay Singh, Practice Manager, E&S Standards, South Asia Region Cluster 2 (Washington, DC), and Mr. Sunil Kumar Khosla, Lead Energy Specialist and Task Team Leader (Thimphu).
Over five days, the multidisciplinary team of WBG specialists in energy, environment, social development, and dam safety worked closely with DHPL and its stakeholders in Gyelpozhing, Mongar. Together, they assessed the project's readiness to advance from pre-construction to main construction, with particular focus on DHPL's environmental and social commitments. The programme combined review meetings, site visits, and technical discussions.
The mission began on 3 October with a kick-off meeting and readiness review at Wangchuk Hotel, Mongar. The next day, the team visited the active pre-construction sites, including the dam site, powerhouse, and access road, to see first-hand the physical readiness of the project and how environmental, health, and safety practices are applied on the ground. Discussions also covered contractor performance, supervision arrangements, incident prevention, and the follow-up of corrective actions.
Throughout the mission, the team reviewed progress on several priority areas, including the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), social safeguards, capacity building for employees and communities, and the Community and Local Development Plan. These reviews gave the team and DHPL an opportunity to discuss what is working well, where further attention is needed, and how identified gaps can be addressed before main construction begins.
The mission concluded on 7 October with a wrap-up meeting at the DHPL campus in Gyelpozhing. It was attended by the mission team, DHPL's Director of Operations, General Managers, and consultants, along with other senior officials. At the meeting, DHPL and the WBG team agreed on next steps, responsibilities, and timelines.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of the mission, noting that, at the end of the day, everyone involved is one team working to deliver the project in the best possible way for the people of Bhutan. He added that missions like this help ensure that issues are identified and addressed early in the project's implementation.
"DHPL remains committed to upholding high environmental and social standards in every phase of the project, so that the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project delivers lasting benefits for the communities and the environment it touches. A mission like this gives us the space to fix issues early in the implementation stages," said Mr. Tandin Tshering, General Manager, Environment, Social, Health and Safety Division, DHPL.
Following the mission, DHPL will act on the agreed next steps within the agreed timelines, in coordination with the WBG team, as the project prepares to move from pre-construction to main construction.
DHPL expressed its appreciation to the WBG mission team for their valuable review, guidance, and constructive engagement, and for their continued support for the project. DHPL also thanks all its stakeholders for their time and continued cooperation.
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