The ongoing road-widening project in Haa has left people living along the Haa-Chuzom highway worried. The works along the 50-kilometre highway began in 2016. The cutting works are affecting the stability of the houses built on sloppy land near the highway. The issue is particularly critical in Jenkana and Balamna villages of Samar Gewog. People are unhappy with the project as retention walls are not built immediately after cutting works are over. Initially, people were told walls would be built immediately.
People are living in constant fear that their houses might collapse at any time. Cracks on the ground can be seen right in front of their houses. Some say their houses have also developed cracks on walls. Farmlands are also getting eroded and some have lost apple trees to landslides. People even wrote to the district administration several times.
“It is not just the apple trees that are lost to landslides, my house is also at a huge risk now. When we inform the authorities and the work supervisors, no one pays attention to our problems. I informed DANTAK officials thrice about the issue and even took them to my home and showed them the cracks on the land. They say they will build the walls fast but they never do it. They do it only for the wealthy and influential,” said Galey, a resident of Jenkana village.
“My land has developed cracks and some of it has been lost to landslide. I was told a wall would be built but the wall never came. The rain last summer has eroded my land,” said Bitim, another resident.
“Although we are thankful to the project for the socio-economic benefit it would bring, currently it is affecting us a lot. For instance, the land here in Balamna Chiwog is mostly marshy, so when the wall construction works are getting delayed, houses have become vulnerable to landslides. Moreover, there are over ten households whose fields have been eroded,” said Dawa Penjor, Balamna Tshogpa.
“During the previous Dzongda’s management, walls were built right after cutting works were carried out. But now, even after six to seven months, walls have not been built. When we inform DANTAK, they say works are getting delayed due to the disruption caused by the pandemic,” said Nima Tshering.
“I couldn’t move to my newly built home as the land has become unstable now. It is built on a filled-up piece of land, so it has become highly prone. I informed the Dzongda about four months ago on the need for a wall but there was no response,” said Tshering Yangden.
People also claim there is no consistency in providing walls to the affected households and initial survey markings were not followed.
“We notice that walls are built only for the privileged so far which should otherwise be done equally for everyone affected. Moreover, in some cases, cutting work is done right in front of houses whereas, in some areas, it is done below the road. We don’t understand the difference,” said Nima Tshering.
Haa Dzongda Rabgay Tobden said the district administration cannot talk about all the issues as the work is done by the DANTAK. The administration only carries out surveying works. He, however, said that his office is promptly communicating with DANTAK officials and forwarding them the complaint letters filed by the people.
Regarding the road survey, he said the initial one was only a preliminary survey and alignments had to be shifted after risks were assessed and as per technical requirements. He also said cutting works are done as per the public consultation done in 2019 where people agreed to observe the road’s Right of Way.
However, the No Objection letter submitted by the people has a clause requesting the authorities to build walls immediately in the affected areas. It also states the need for authorities to provide land and other compensations. The district land record officer said people will be compensated once all the cutting works are complete.
Haa Dzongda also said Project DANTAK is aware of the issues but works are getting delayed due to the lockdown and cold weather. He said the district administration and DANTAK will work together to have the walls built before the monsoon.
Walls were reportedly built for a few households as per the priority upon risk assessment. However, people claim all other houses are equally in danger. Meanwhile, DANTAK is said to have placed orders for all the required cement which will reach Haa once lockdown is lifted in Phuentshogling. DANTAK Officials BBS talked to didn’t share any information.
Kipchu, Haa
