India and Bhutan Cooperation on Environment

• The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing the MoU between the Government of India and Bhutan on Cooperation in the areas of Environment.

About:

• The MoU will cover the following areas of the environment:

(1) Air;

(2) Waste;

(3) Chemical Management;

(4) Climate Change; and () Any other areas jointly decided upon.

• This MoU shall enter into force on the date of signature and shall continue to remain in force for a period of ten years.

• It will facilitate exchange of best practices and technical knowhow through both public and private sectors and shall contribute to sustainable development. It provides the possibility for joint projects in areas of mutual interest. However, no significant employment generation is envisaged.

Background:

• A MoU was signed between the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, India and the National Environment Commission (NEC) of Bhutan in 2013.

• This MoU expired in 2016. Noting the benefits of the earlier MoU, both sides have decided to continue cooperation and collaboration in the field of Environment.