AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: Bhutan’s biggest earthquake simulation in Thimphu found gaps in coordination, communication, manpower and rescue equipment, with delayed protocol activation and inconsistent information sharing—raising the urgency for better training and clearer reporting lines. Climate Hazards: Incessant rain across Sikkim and Bhutan triggered flooding and landslides, with Phuentsholing hit hard as roads and the Indo-Bhutan Gate approach stayed underwater and bridges/diversions were washed out, disrupting connectivity. Urban Resilience: A UNDP/CDRI-backed geotechnical study is mapping safer building zones in Phuentsholing (Pekarshing and Ammochhu) to guide climate-risk-informed planning and early warning improvements. Renewable Energy Policy: Bhutan’s Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Act 2026 starts rolling out, offering time-bound tax relief (customs, excise, GST on inputs, and POTT) to speed renewable projects toward 25 GW. Energy Infrastructure Skills: DGPC, BPC and South Korea’s Hyosung signed an MoU to strengthen maintenance capacity for gas insulated switchgear, including training and certification for Bhutanese engineers. Mining Growth: Total mineral production rose to 12 million MT in 2025, with policy reforms and streamlined licensing driving output and royalties. Tourism Investment Push: Gelephu Mindfulness City unveiled a tourism investment pipeline (20 attractions, 20 activities) and a separate “Project 108” crowdfunding drive that has already funded 90 of 108 chortens.

Disaster Risk Planning: A UN-backed geotechnical study is guiding safer, climate-resilient urban growth in Phuentsholing, as heavier rain and landslides increasingly threaten roads, bridges and buildings. Renewables Push: Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance has started implementing the Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Act 2026, offering time-bound tax relief to cut costs and speed up renewable projects toward 25 GW. Health Workforce: KGUMSB plans a new MBBS campus at Gidakom to expand Bhutan’s medical training capacity ahead of the first home-trained doctor cohort in 2028, though student accommodation remains a constraint. Education Capacity: RIM has requested release of Nu 43.3 million to strengthen faculty capacity and expand professional education, citing funding gaps and GST-related budget overruns. Gelephu Mindfulness City: Project 108 has gained major momentum, with funding secured for 90 of 108 chortens, while GMC also unveiled a tourism investment programme inviting private investors into high-value, sustainable tourism. Earthquake Preparedness: A major Bhutan earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communication, manpower and equipment, despite progress in emergency readiness. Regional Climate Impacts: Incessant rain has triggered floods and landslides across parts of the region, with Phuentsholing among the worst affected. Cultural Diplomacy: Bhutan has begun construction of a temple complex in Lumbini, strengthening Buddhist ties with Nepal.

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Tourism Push: GMC has unveiled a multi-million-dollar tourism investment drive, pitching a portfolio of 20 attractions and 20 activities across hospitality, wellness, culture, recreation and entertainment, while stressing the list is a starting point for private-sector innovation. Renewables Tax Incentives: Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance has started implementing the Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Act 2026, offering time-bound exemptions on customs duty, excise tax and GST for approved renewable projects to help expand the country’s clean energy capacity. Earthquake Readiness Check: A major earthquake simulation in Thimphu found gaps in coordination, communication, manpower and rescue equipment, even as responders showed commitment—highlighting the need for better training and clearer reporting lines. Floods and Landslides Across the Region: Incessant rain has triggered flooding and landslides affecting Bhutan and nearby areas, including waterlogged roads in Phuentsholing and washed-out links that disrupted movement. Tourism Revenue Update: Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) revenue rose to USD 44.8 million from January to April 2026, driven by 60,629 visitors, with Indian tourists contributing a large share. Wildlife Conservation Note: A decade of rhino reintroduction in Assam’s Manas National Park shows encouraging adaptation and reproduction trends, with continued protection needed to reduce long-term risks. El Niño Warning for Monsoon: Regional reporting flags El Niño-linked drought risk and a drier monsoon outlook, raising concerns for water and agriculture planning.

Floods & Landslides: Incessant monsoon rain has triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Sikkim and neighbouring Bhutan, with Phuentsholing among the worst hit; parts of town and the approach road to the Indo-Bhutan Gate stayed underwater, LPG cylinders were swept into Jaigaon, and a bridge linking Bhutan and India was washed away, halting movement. Wildlife Conservation: A decade of tracking in Assam’s Manas National Park shows encouraging signs after greater one-horned rhinos were reintroduced, but researchers stress protection and continued management to avoid long-term risks like inbreeding. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Seven endangered golden langurs were released back into the wild in Assam after a trafficking ring was busted in Chirang, with nine accused arrested—another reminder that enforcement must keep chasing the trade. Climate-Friendly Farming: Meghalaya unveiled a ₹295-crore expansion of its organic mission, aiming to add 44,000 hectares and bring 46,000 small farmers into certified organic cultivation, with women farmers at the centre. Energy Transition: Bhutan-related regional coverage highlights governments pushing renewables (including solar incentives) while keeping backup generation for grid stability during weather-driven variability.

Flood Response & Cross-Border Impacts: Incessant rain has triggered floods and landslides across North Bengal and neighbouring Bhutan, with Phuentsholing among the worst hit; roads and bridges were washed out, including a link to the Indo-Bhutan Gate, while floodwaters swept LPG cylinders into Jaigaon. Weather Alerts: India’s IMD issued orange and red alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and flash-flood risk across multiple districts, keeping the Himalayan foothills on high alert. Energy Transition Push: Bhutan’s region-wide energy debate echoes in a parliamentary update from another Himalayan state: solar targets, tax breaks for renewables, and accelerated gas exploration are being used to stabilise supply during monsoon-linked variability. Wildlife Conservation: A decade of rhino reintroduction in Assam’s Manas shows encouraging adaptation after wild-to-wild translocation, but researchers warn long-term risks like inbreeding remain. Bhutan–Nepal Cultural Link: Bhutan has begun construction of a monastery in Lumbini, with Bhutanese officials and lamas marking the foundation-laying—strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties. Education Cooperation: India’s education minister met Bhutan’s counterpart to deepen work on teacher training, vocational skilling, digital learning and AI, alongside sustainable tourism and well-being.

Urban Climate Resilience: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for a major makeover under the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project, with greener public spaces, walking trails, solar lighting, better pedestrian access, and flood-risk mitigation after encroachment and changing rainfall patterns. Circular Waste & Recycling: Recykal raised $23 million to expand its circular-economy push, including faster Deposit Return System (DRS) rollouts and waste-recovery tech, aiming to scale behavioural-change solutions. Wildlife Protection: Assam released seven rescued golden langurs back into the wild after a trafficking bust, highlighting how the primate’s narrow range links western Assam and Bhutan’s foothills. Conservation & Community: Bhutan’s Tit Tar practitioners were honoured by His Majesty for compassionate service, including work tied to conservation and community support. Education & Skills Linkages: India and Bhutan discussed deeper cooperation in teacher training, vocational skilling, digital learning, AI, and sustainable tourism—strengthening people-to-people capacity building. Cultural Diplomacy: Bhutan’s monastery construction in Lumbini moved forward with a foundation stone laying ceremony, reinforcing Bhutan–Nepal cultural and religious ties.

Cultural Heritage & Diplomacy: Bhutan has formally laid the foundation stone for a Bhutanese monastery in Lumbini, with Bhutanese lamas performing rituals and officials from Bhutan and Nepal attending—an effort meant to link Bhutan’s Buddhist tradition with the Buddha’s birthplace. Urban Climate Resilience: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for a major makeover under the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project, aiming to cut flood risks while restoring ecology and improving walkways and public access. Waste & Circular Economy: India-based waste-tech firm Recykal closed a $23 million bridge round to expand its Deposit Return System and circular-economy work, including faster DRS rollouts and international growth. Wildlife Protection: Seven endangered golden langurs rescued from alleged traffickers in Assam were released after rehabilitation, underscoring ongoing pressure on the primate’s restricted range that also touches Bhutan. Agriculture & Sustainability: An AgroNest rural enterprise model in Chukha is highlighting trout farming as a high-value, more sustainable agribusiness option for jobs and income.

Glacial risk monitoring: Bhutan’s glacial lake early-warning system is keeping watch over dangerous lakes in Lunana, with technicians trekking over 4,000m to check equipment and report to Thimphu—critical after past outburst floods that have threatened lives and heritage. Urban climate resilience: Thimphu Thromde is set to revitalise the Memorial Chorten stream corridor under the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project, aiming for greener public spaces, safer pedestrian access, solar lighting, and stronger flood mitigation as rainfall patterns shift. Waste and circular economy: Recykal’s $23m funding round backs its waste-management and circular-economy push, including faster Deposit Return System deployments—relevant to Bhutan’s recycling and recovery ambitions. Wildlife protection: Assam released seven rescued golden langurs back into the wild after an anti-trafficking operation—highlighting the wider Bhutan–Assam conservation corridor and the need to keep smuggling networks from regrouping. Policy and partnerships: India and Bhutan discussed deeper cooperation in education, skills, digital learning and AI, including sustainable tourism and holistic well-being—areas that can support greener livelihoods.

Urban Climate Resilience: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for a major makeover under the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project, aiming to cut flood risk and reverse environmental degradation with greener public spaces, walking trails, solar lighting, and better pedestrian access. Wildlife Protection: In Assam, seven endangered golden langurs rescued from alleged traffickers in Chirang were released back into the wild after rehabilitation, highlighting both a conservation win and the persistence of the smuggling threat that also targets Bhutan’s shared habitat range. Circular Economy & Waste: Recykal raised $23 million to expand its waste management and circular economy platform, with a focus on scaling Deposit Return System deployments and behavioural-change solutions—relevant for Bhutan’s push to improve waste recovery. Glacial Lake Safety: A feature on Bhutan’s glacial lake early-warning technicians in Lunana shows how round-the-clock monitoring helps protect downstream communities from dangerous glacial lake outburst floods. Policy & Finance Signals: India and Bhutan discussed deeper cooperation in education, skills, and digital learning, while India also completed a ₹1,250 crore economic stimulus disbursement to Bhutan—moves that may shape future development priorities, including sustainability-linked sectors.

Wildlife Enforcement: Assam released seven endangered golden langurs back into the wild after an STF bust in Chirang, arresting nine suspects; one langur died during rescue, underscoring how persistent trafficking pressures Bhutan’s shared primate range. Urban Climate Resilience (Bhutan): Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for major revitalisation—greener public spaces, safer pedestrian access, solar lighting, and drainage upgrades—aimed at cutting flood risk under changing rainfall. Waste & Circular Economy: India’s Recykal raised $23m to expand its circular waste platform and accelerate Deposit Return System rollouts, pushing higher recovery rates and cleaner collection. Green Infrastructure & Power: EU-backed green connectivity and Northeast India’s climate vulnerability meet big renewable potential; the region’s hydropower and solar gap is driving calls for faster investment and coordination. Bhutan Economy & Water Security: Bhutan’s budget projects ~10% growth in domestic revenue, with GST and higher hydropower dividends tied to Punatsangchhu-II and electricity exports. Trade Barriers (Bhutan): A BCCI review flags 54 regulatory hurdles in Phuentsholing and Samtse that are raising costs and slowing trade and investment.

Wildlife rescue in Assam: Seven endangered golden langurs rescued from alleged traffickers in Chirang were released back into the wild in Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, after a supervised rehabilitation process; one langur died during rescue. Glacial risk monitoring in Bhutan: A feature looks at Bhutan’s glacial lake early-warning technicians in remote Lunana, trekking to high-altitude lakes to keep monitoring equipment running and report risks to Thimphu. UNESCO biodiversity alarm: UNESCO flags grassland loss in India’s Manas despite a conservation comeback, warning invasive plants have taken nearly half the grasslands and could threaten habitats. Circular economy push: Waste-tech firm Recykal closed a $23 million bridge round to expand its waste management platform, including Deposit Return System deployments and behavioural-change solutions. Bhutan governance & environment-adjacent services: A Special Audit finds procurement and planning weaknesses in Bhutan’s BITS 1.0 tax system, raising concerns about transparency and value for money. Education with greener kitchens: Bhutan will expand school feeding to 467 schools, adding Green Kitchens to improve hygiene and make meal preparation more environmentally sustainable.

Glacial Risk Watch: Bhutan’s glacial lake early-warning system is staffed by technicians in remote Lunana, trekking to monitored lakes like Luggey Tsho to check equipment and report risks to Thimphu—vital after past outburst floods. Tourism & Local Jobs: Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) has unveiled 40 tourism attractions and activities under the Tourism Spark Fund, with an Expression of Interest process aimed at bringing Bhutanese entrepreneurs and SMEs into the plan. Public Health & Clean Spaces: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority tightens enforcement with a nationwide public smoking ban in designated areas, backed by fines, pushing smoke-free rules into everyday shop and community life. Wildlife Conservation: UNESCO flags grassland loss in India’s Manas despite wildlife revival, warning invasive plants are taking over key habitats—an important reminder for Himalayan biodiversity management. Community Priorities in Thrompons: Residents in Thimphu and Phuentshogling are urging next leaders to fix monsoon drainage, sewage overflows, waste management, safer footpaths, and reliable water—delivery matters after elections. Trade Bottlenecks: A review of Phuentsholing and Samtse finds 54 regulatory and operational barriers, including licensing, GST-related challenges, delays, and infrastructure gaps that raise the cost of doing business.

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Tourism: GMC has unveiled 40 tourism attractions and activities under the Tourism Spark Fund, with a forum pitching investment opportunities aimed at Bhutanese entrepreneurs, SMEs, family businesses and young operators. Public Health & Environment: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority tightens enforcement with a nationwide public smoking ban in designated areas, backed by fines, pushing cleaner public spaces. Wildlife & Biodiversity: UNESCO flags grassland loss in Manas National Park despite wildlife revival, warning invasive plants are overtaking nearly half the grassland and threatening habitats. Water & Resources: Bhutan is listed among the top 10 countries for freshwater per person, ranking fifth globally in a 2026 per-capita freshwater report. Conservation Leadership: Snow leopard researcher Rodney Jackson highlights community-based conservation needs and gaps in snow leopard monitoring and coordination. Energy & Climate Link: Bhutan’s hydropower partnership with Adani Group is mentioned alongside India’s push for more power capacity, including nuclear plans—raising questions for regional clean-energy cooperation. Education with a Green Twist: 467 Bhutan schools to benefit from enhanced feeding and nutrition programmes, including upgrades to “Green Kitchens” for safer, more sustainable meal preparation. Disaster Costs: Earthquake insurance claims reach 128 across Bhutan, with most submissions concentrated in western and central areas.

BITS Digitalization Audit: Bhutan’s Royal Audit Authority flagged major procurement and planning failures in the Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS 1.0), including direct awards worth Nu. 610.11m to DHI/TTPL without open competitive bidding, raising concerns over transparency and value for money. Public Health & Environment: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority tightened enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act by banning smoking in all designated public areas, with fines of Nu 500 per incident—aimed at cleaner public spaces. School Nutrition: 467 schools will get enhanced feeding and nutrition support in 2026–27, including upgrades to 20 schools with “Green Kitchens” to improve hygiene and make school meals more environmentally sustainable. Wildlife & Habitat: UNESCO warned that Manas grasslands are shrinking fast due to invasive plants, even as wildlife rebounds—urging long-term funding and action plans to protect biodiversity. Water & Climate Context: Bhutan ranked among the top freshwater-rich countries per person, underscoring the importance of protecting water resources as climate pressures grow across South Asia. Circular Economy Push: Recykal raised $23m to expand circular waste management and scale deposit return systems, betting on a stronger “digital backbone” for recycling infrastructure.

Freshwater Spotlight: Bhutan ranks #5 globally for freshwater per person, the only Asian country in the top 10 list, underscoring the kingdom’s water wealth and the need to protect it. School Nutrition & Environment: Bhutan will expand school feeding to 467 schools in 2026–27, adding 20 “Green Kitchens” to improve hygiene and make meal prep more environmentally sustainable. Public Health Rule Tightened: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority bans smoking in designated public areas nationwide, with Nu 500 fines aimed at cleaner, healthier shared spaces. Wildlife Conservation Insight: Snow leopard researcher Rodney Jackson highlights community-based monitoring and the importance of centering herding communities in conservation. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Samtse villagers call for urgent action as livelihoods collapse under a persistent elephant crisis. Gelephu Mindfulness City: GMC’s tourism forum opens investment doors for Bhutanese SMEs and entrepreneurs, with an Expression of Interest process for new attractions and activities. Circular Economy Funding: Recykal raises $23 million to scale deposit return systems and waste recycling tech, pushing circular solutions that could inspire Bhutan’s waste management push. Disaster Costs: Bhutan Insurance Limited reports 128 earthquake-related claims as of June 16, showing where recovery support is most needed. Business Climate: Bhutan’s National Entrepreneurship Strategy targets faster licensing (within three working days) and better access to finance to help startups grow.

Wildlife Crime: STF and police in Chirang arrested nine people, including a Bangladesh national, after intercepting a golden langur trafficking attempt; eight golden langurs were rescued (one died in transit) from sacks allegedly taken from Chakrashila (Chiknajhar) National Park. Public Health & Environment: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority issued a strict smoking ban in all designated public areas, with Nu 500 fines for violations, tightening smoke-free rules for shops and commercial centres. Conservation Approach: Snow leopard researcher Rodney Jackson says community needs must be central to monitoring and conflict management, calling out gaps in collaboration among major conservation groups. Elephant Conflict: In Samtse, villagers say long-running elephant raids are pushing people to abandon farming despite repeated mitigation like solar fencing, trenches and boulder walls. Circular Economy: Waste startup Recykal raised $23m to expand circular economy services and scale deposit return systems, aiming to strengthen tech and international rollout. FDI & Climate Resilience: State of the Nation priorities for 2026–27 include Nu 3.5bn FDI targeting clean tech, renewable energy, wellness and agro-processing, alongside climate resilience and governance reforms. Disaster Costs: Bhutan Insurance Limited reported 128 earthquake-related insurance claims as of June 16, with most concentrated in western and central Bhutan. Tourism & Local Jobs: Gelephu Mindfulness City’s tourism forum opened investment opportunities for Bhutanese SMEs and entrepreneurs via an Expression of Interest process.