Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) has asked for an explanation from the Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited (NRDCL) as to why it has not yet carried out afforestation programme at the quarry site in Zobel Gewog.
The NRDCL started quarry extraction in 2013 and stopped it in 2016. However, as mandated by the Mines and Minerals Management Act 1995, the excavated site has not been restored to its previous state.
The Zobel Gup, Pema Dorji, said the issue was discussed at the gewog level- Gewog Yargay Tshogdey but couldn’t be resolved. “That is why the matter has been shared at this Dzongkhag Tshogdu meeting,” added the Gup.
The district’s Division Forest Office said the NRDCL has hand over the site to a new contractor but they are facing legal tussle.
“We informed the NRDCL that if they do not rehabilitate the site for long, penalty will be levied. But NRDCL said they cannot do anything until the court grants the judgment,” said Ugyen Wangchuk, Chief Forestry Officer of Division Forest Office.
He also said NRDCL will continue quarry works since the lease period is still valid.
But Zobel Gup re-submitted in the house the mining machinery has been cleared from the site a year ago.
The DT also resolved that the issue will be tabled in the next session for further discussion.
