The Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Administration is receiving more and more number of applicants, expressing interest to establish quarry and mining sites in the dzongkhag.
From beginning of the year until now, the dzongkhag administration received two proposals. And of the two, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) approved the State Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL)’s proposal to start a gypsum mine at Nangkhor.
However, it rejected the other proposal which sought permission to set up stone quarry near a stream in Khar Gewog. The members have demanded a detailed project proposal. “Keeping the stream water clean is of utmost importance. When source dries up in winter, people fetch water from this stream. If the quarry site is opened here, there is high risk of polluting the water,” said the Mangmi of Chongshing Gewog, Namkha Dorji, adding this will put the people’s health at an extreme risk.
Echoing his views, the Zobel Gewog’s Gup, Pema Dorji said, considering all these aforementioned issues, a comprehensive study must be done before commencing such projects.
All other local leaders supported the Gup’s suggestion and came to the consensus that a matter will be deferred for deliberation in the next DT session. A proposal to set up a stone quarry site was put up by a private individual.
