GLOF Inception Report - Bhutan - 2008

The DGM-UNDP/GEF Project on “Reducing Climate Change-Induced Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glacial Lake Outbursts Flood in the Punakha-Wangdi and Chamkar Valleys” was signed between UNDP CO, the Gross National Happiness Commission and the implementing agency—the Ministry of Economic Affairs on April 8, 2008. Prior to the signing of the project document, a Local Project Appraisal Committee meeting was held on March 27, 2007 to discuss on the pertinent implementation issues of the project. Subsequent to the signing of the project, the project management processed for procurement of equipments, working tools and field implements required for the engineering and safety plan and the artificial lowering of the Thorthormi Lake. As of now about 60% of the purchase has already been done and the remaining items will be procured in the 3rd and 4th Quarter of 2008. The project inception workshop was held on June 17-18, 2008 at the College of Natural Resources at Lobesa in Wangdue Phodrang district. The engineering and safety plan under Outcome 2, Output 2.2 will be implemented in 2008 and necessary arrangements for the excavation work at Thorthormi Lake will also be made. A detailed work plan for the engineering and safety plan, scheduled to start by beginning of August 2008, has been presented and approved during the inception workshop. This inception report incorporates changes and agreements made during the inception workshop and the Project Board (PB) and Technical Support and Advisory Team (TSAT) meeting and presents way forward strategies to achieve the outcomes of the full size project.