2.5 Under forests, emphasis has been laid on survey work, demarcation and preparation of working plans
for afforestation, the progress on which has hitherto been slow. A forest utilization division is also to be
created in organizing sales and to undertake intensive study and to pursue the setting up of forest based
industries. 8,000 acres of plantation of valuable species will be raised as against 5,000 acres raised upto
the end of the Second Plan.
2.6 The installed capacity of Hydel Projects will increase from 760 K.W. to 4,000 K.W. at the end of the
Third Plan. In addition to the provision for the completion of various Hydel Projects a sum of Rs. 25.5
lakh has been provided for investigations and surveys. The Central Water and Power Commission, on
their own, had carried out detailed investigation on Chukha Hydel Project. The Project offers prospects of
cheap and abundant (250 M.W.) power for Bhutan. This Project will be taken up as and when the
technical report is received and will be executed outside the Plan as no provision for the project could be
made at this stage.
2.7 As regards industries and mineral development, in view of the limited domestic market and lack of
technical manpower, emphasis is being laid at present on small and medium scale industries only. A few
small scale indus tries are, therefore, proposed to be developed. Due emphasis will also be given on the
preservation of traditional handicrafts. Detailed studies will, however, be carried out for the establishment
of industries such as cement, paper etc. Exploitation of rich mineral resources, especially gypsum will
also be considered. As and when technical feasibility of such industries is established they will be taken
up outside,the scope of the plan or the plan ceiling would be suitably modified.
2.8 The pace of work on the development of roads, transport and communication as mentioned in para 1.7
will be maintained. Substantial provision has also been made for the expansion of essential amenities in
the country.