Every monsoon, a stream that runs between Rinchending and Pasakha road in Phuentsholing wreaks havoc. Fed by rain water, the stream called Bownijhora, causes destructions in the area and poses threat to the lives and properties of people living nearby.
Surprisingly, in winter, there is no trace of the stream. But come monsoon, the stream floods and turns into a river. “There used to be a small bridge constructed by the department of roads but the stream washed it away along with the paddy fields. The flooded stream has also washed away a nursery farm,” says Purkha Bahadhur Rai, a local resident.
People in the locality believe in a myth surrounding the stream. People said the area used to be paddy fields. The present road, constructed in the early 1980s, passed through the fields. But things took a turn after an incident in the village. According to elderly villagers, the stream started flooding after a man in the village killed a snake.
“When the stream swells, vehicles get stuck in it. In the past, the stream was so small that people could just jump over it,” added Purkha Bahadhur Rai.
The Gewog officials said the swollen stream is causing much destruction in the area. “The flood is taking away the valley more and more every year. It has, in fact, washed away land of many villagers,” said Mani Kumar Rai, Samphelling Gup.
The frequent flash floods have also affected Indians living downstream. “People of Fokla, a bordering Indian village complain that we divert the stream towards their village. But there is nothing much we can do,” added the Gup.
Department of Roads has constructed re-enforced concrete cement walls for protection against flood but the stream changes its course every year. Gabion walls were also constructed but were washed away.
However, this year, due to budget shortage apart from periodic maintenance, no other protection works could be carried out.
Roads officials said the area is geographically unstable. The soil is loose and gets washed away easily.
