People in Jomotshangkha in Samdrup Jongkhar are facing a water crisis and it is getting worse. Their water taps remain dry for weeks forcing them to store water in whatever containers they can lay their hands on. They say maintaining hygiene is not a priority anymore as they are more concerned about getting water for drinking and cooking.
It is a common sight in Jomotshangkha to see lines of jerry cans, jars and buckets filled with water in every home. They store water whenever the water supply gets better. According to them, they have two water sources but both are unreliable. During the summer, their water pipes are often washed away by landslides and the water dries up in winter.
“We have been facing water problem for a very long time. The government is maintaining water sources and all but the problem is still not solved,” said a resident.
“Since water pipes are laid in the jungle, elephants damage the pipes when they move around. So we don’t get water until the Dungkhag administration repairs it, which is usually after two days,” said another.
Meanwhile, Jomotshangkha Dungpa Lamdra Wangdi says the water shortage is mainly due to mismanagement of the resources by the residents. The Dungpa says some residents do not close the taps after use, wasting the limited water resource. He said the Dungkhag is now planning to impose penalties on those residents wasting water.
However, residents can now look forward to better days ahead. The dungkhag administration is currently constructing a water treatment plant with a 200 thousand-litre water tank. While the supply will be reliable, people can also have safe drinking water. It is expected to complete by June next year.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam
