The 35th Meeting of the Joint Expert Team (JET) between Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) and Government of India (GoI) to oversee and review the comprehensive scheme for establishment of Hydro-meteorological and Flood Forecasting Network on Rivers Common to India and Bhutan was held at Paro, Bhutan during 6 -7 March, 2019.

RGoB delegation was led by Mr. Karma Dupchu, Director, National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) and GoI delegation was led Mr. PM Scoot, Chief Engineer (Brahmaputra and Barak Basin Organization-B&BBO, Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), River Development (RD) & Ganga Rejuvenation (GR), GoI.

JET reviewed the progress of the Flood Warning Program of GoI implemented by NCHM for the FY 2017-2018/2018-2019 and approved the new activities for the FY 2018-2019. JET delegations also visited important historical sites around the Paro valley.

The comprehensive scheme for establishment of Hydro-meteorological and Flood Forecasting Network on Common Rivers to Bhutan and India is one of the oldest bilateral cooperation started in 1955. Bhutan located in the upper riparian region share hydro-met and flood information on sub-daily basis including the hydro-power plants dam outflows with downstream Indian States of Assam and West Bengal for flood forecasting and warning.

JET meetings are held twice a year alternatively in India and Bhutan. The next JET will be held in India in the month of July/August, 2019.

The meeting was held in the most cordial atmosphere.