Triggered by continuous rains, frequent mudslides have put a settlement in the Changangkha Lhakhang area in Thimphu at risk.
On August 3, a mudslide at around 1 AM damaged a hut and a toilet.
“I moved to my owner’s place after the landslide washed away the toilet. However, as I was talking about the incident, another slide occurred. It damaged my hut, a table, and a TV set,” says Krishna Maya Powdyel.
“Because of the risks, I am planning to move out.”
But this is not the first time such an incident occurred in the area. Last month, another portion of land was swept down near the hut. It has left the staff quarter of Changangkha Lhakhang standing precariously with several cracks in its surrounding. As a result, the residents have been relocated.
Besides the staff quarter, the hostel and the Lam’s quarter are at risk of getting washed away.
Changangkha Lam Namgyel says he wrote to the Thromde thrice, and one was before the landslides occurred in which he highlighted such dangers.
“The Thromde and my folks from the Dratshang inspected the area. The Thromde officials worked out an estimate on the mitigation plan and said they would execute it soon. I don’t know when the works would begin, but the risks are imminent.”
According to the Lam, the Thromde’s estimate to build a retention wall at the slide prone areas was around Nu 10 M. BBS tried to contact the Thromde’s engineer, but the official was not available for comments.
Meanwhile, the Lam suggests carrying out the mitigation works at the earliest.
“It would reduce immediate risks and costs as well since the area is eroding by the day”.
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
