Earlier this year, some 25 households left Nyingshingborang and Norboogang chiwogs to live in Karmawoong and Gongri Balay in Pema Gatshel. They wanted to grow paddy in these places where they have land and were left fallow. But now, the problem is, they don’t have electricity.
Gongri Balay and Karmawoong are located along the Manas River. The warm weather in these places is suitable to grow paddy. Likewise, Tikiliwoong also saw new residents a few years ago.
Farm roads and irrigation water have also made its way into some of these places. And now, all they need is electricity.
“We have been using electricity. But here without power, it is a big problem. Today, we depend on firewood for heating and cooking purpose. After getting dark, it is difficult to prepare meals,” said Pema Wangdra, from Norboogang under Norboogang Gewog in Pema Gatshel.
“We would be grateful if the government could provide electricity here. If there is electricity, we can procure the maize grinding machines. Our farm road got blocked in the summer and our maize was wasted,” added Sonam Phuntsho, from Nyingshingborang, under Norboogang Gewog.
“Without power, it is difficult to deal with wild animals. We cannot do anything in the dark. We have no option than to use firewood. These days mobile play a big role but the battery lasts for only a few days,” said Kezang Tashi, also from Nyingshingborang.
And it is worse when the weather is hot. More than one hundred locals own land in these three places and half of them now live in temporary sheds hoping for a change. The Bhutan Power Corporation office in Nganglam said they have not received any application from the gewog administration. Meanwhile, the village representatives said they will soon ask for power supply.
Thinley Dorji
