Press Release

Signing of the exchange of Notes for the Rehabilitation of Takli Irrigation System

The Government of Japan has agreed today to extend additional grant assistance, of 1billion 51million yen (¥ 1, 051,000,000) for the Rehabilitation of Takli Irrigation System in Sarpang district, to the Royal Government of Bhutan. H.E. V. Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan and H.E. Mr. Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan signed the Exchange of Notes at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi on 27^th June 2013. 

Bhutan faces huge challenges in terms of maintaining irrigation infrastructures as the irrigation system are mainly run of the river with intakes located along the riverbanks. The Taklai irrigation system which is situated along the Taklai River flowing through the gewogs of Chuzagang and Sershong in Sarpang is the oldest irrigation scheme in Bhutan. During the past years due to successive flooding of Taklai River, the Taklai irrigation intake and the network structure has become vulnerable to flooding and erosion which is affecting agriculture activities in the area. The Taklai irrigation system will greatly increase agricultural production in the two gewogs of Chuzagang and Sershong.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador V. Namgyel said that the project will be yet another testimony of the longstanding excellent ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Japan has extended generous assistance in many areas particularly in development of agriculture and contributed greatly towards the national goal of achieving economic self-reliance.

Ambassador V. Namgyel conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and people of Bhutan to the government and people of Japan for their continued friendship and support over the years.