Bangladesh and West Bengal express interest in tapping Bhutan’s hydro power potential; UNHCR team visits Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal; 16th SAARC Summit to be held from April 28-29, 2010
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  • Reports noted that West Bengal has expressed an interest in building a 650 MW hydropower project in Bhutan and that it has approached the central government for the necessary clearances. Sunil Mitra, Additional Chief Secretary for the state told reporters that West Bengal had plans to add 2,470 MW of power to the 4,200 already installed by 20121. The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WESEDCL) was designated as the nodal agency for the proposed projects in Bhutan.

    Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman also stated that Bhutan would be a potential supplier in overcoming the power needs of his country. Mr. Rehman noted that economic ties between the two countries were yet to reach a “satisfactory level” despite the excellent status of the bilateral relations2.

    Reports noted that Bhutanese refugees in Denver, United States were being victimized. Some of them were attacked and robbed off their possessions3.

    A team from the UNHCR along with some donor representatives visited refugee camps in
    Eastern Nepal. The refugees were assured that they were free to choose between repatriation and resettlement4.

    In other developments, private radio stations in Thimphu have joined hands with a Swiss national to start a 24-hour live online station. The portal is intended to help spread Bhutanese culture and language.

    The 16th SAARC summit would be held in Bhutan from April 28-29 2010. The Summit was initially supposed to be held in Maldives.

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