Bhutan is a landlocked country located along the eastern ridges of the Himalayas in south-central Asia. Its rugged terrain has historically made it one of the most remote nations in the world.
It was only in the mid-20th century that Bhutan began opening up, with development accelerating due to improvements in transportation, particularly the introduction of motor vehicles. Journeys that once took days by mule can now be completed in just a few hours.
The country’s geography is entirely mountainous, with elevations ranging from 525 feet (160 meters) along the Indian border to over 24,800 feet (7,570 meters) near the Tibetan border. This variation creates climates ranging from subtropical to alpine.
Bhutan is also one of the most environmentally preserved countries in the world, with about 72% forest cover, 7% snow and glaciers, and only around 3% of land used for agriculture.
The water-energy Nexus in Bhutan
Bhutan’s abundant water resources and relatively small population have enabled it to develop a hydropower-driven energy sector. Hydropower generates enough electricity to meet domestic demand while exporting surplus energy to neighboring India.
This sector is also central to Bhutan’s economy, contributing approximately 25% of government revenue and 7.5% of GDP. Combined with tourism, hydropower supports public services such as free healthcare and education, while helping reduce poverty.
However, Bhutan’s reliance on hydropower also presents risks.
A 2024 report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure highlights the vulnerability of Bhutan’s energy infrastructure to natural hazards.
Hydropower systems are exposed to threats such as droughts, increased sedimentation, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, all of which are intensified by climate change and the country’s mountainous terrain.
Transmission and distribution networks are also at risk from landslides, flash floods, and wildfires, which can disrupt electricity supply and damage infrastructure.
Infrastructure interdependencies and risks
Bhutan’s energy system is closely interconnected with other infrastructure sectors, particularly transport, water supply, and information and communication technology (ICT). Disruptions in any of these systems can have cascading impacts across the country.
For example, landslides are a major hazard along Bhutan’s national highways, causing an estimated $3 million in annual losses. During the monsoon season, frequent landslides disrupt key transport routes such as the Gelephu–Trongsa highway, often leading to road closures lasting several hours each day.
These disruptions not only affect mobility but also limit access to critical infrastructure, including hydropower facilities.
Strengthening infrastructure resilience
Improving infrastructure resilience in Bhutan begins with better data systems and a deeper understanding of cross-sector dependencies.
The UNDRR and CDRI support Bhutan through the Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Review. This framework helps countries assess risks, identify vulnerabilities, and prioritize resilience strategies.
The methodology includes five key steps:
- Stakeholder Mapping
Identifying key ministries, regulators, and infrastructure operators, while promoting cross-sector collaboration. - Policy and Regulatory Review
Evaluating existing policies to ensure disaster risk reduction (DRR) is integrated into infrastructure planning. - Vulnerability Assessment Through Stress Testing
Analyzing infrastructure exposure to hazards and assessing system interdependencies through data and expert input. - Assessment of Current Practices
Reviewing infrastructure systems against resilience principles to identify gaps. - Implementation Planning
Developing a coordinated action plan with clear priorities, timelines, and stakeholder roles.
Using this approach, Bhutan can create risk maps that identify landslide-prone areas and assess infrastructure exposure under different climate scenarios.
Building a more resilient future
As climate risks intensify, Bhutan faces growing challenges in protecting its critical infrastructure. However, by adopting data-driven planning, strengthening cross-sector coordination, and integrating disaster risk reduction into infrastructure design and governance, the country is taking meaningful steps toward resilience.
Applying the global methodology for Infrastructure resilience enhances Bhutan’s ability to anticipate hazards, reduce economic losses, and safeguard communities, offering a valuable model for other mountainous and climate-vulnerable nations.
Source:
Geography of Bhutan. Visit Bhutan.com. Retrieved from https://www.visitbhutan.com/page.php?id=2
Bhutan: Protecting hydropower and water from climate and other risks. UNDRR. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/resilient-infrastructure/bhutan
Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Review. (2025). CDRI. Retrieved from https://cdri.world/global-methodology-for-infrastructure-resilience-review/
UNDRR and CDRI (2023), Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Review, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/media/91939/download?startDownload=20251113
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