Works to divert Mochhu from the Gasa hot spring is complete. The river for now is partially diverted from its main course through the newly constructed diversion channel. It will be fully diverted after examining the geological stability of the channel. The river diversion works were carried out to protect the Gasa hot spring from flooding.
It took almost seven months to complete the diversion works.
“This river diversion will give full protection to the hot spring against flood. The new channel has the capacity to diver the entire Mochhu,” said Choki, the site Engineer.
The manager of the Gasa hot spring said the diversion will ensure the safety of the visitors as well. Hundreds of Bhutanese visit the hot spring every winter for its healing benefits.
Mochhu has always posed a threat to the hot spring. The river washed away the hot spring completely in 2009. And it took almost five years to restore the hot spring to its current state.
The Gasa Dzongkhag Administration carried out the river diversion works at a cost of Nu 26 M.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
