The four-decade-old Khamdang Gewog’s irrigation channel in Trashi Yangtse never let the farmers down since its construction. However, the reliable water supply broke down at a time this year when the farmers needed it the most. It’s paddy cultivation season and the farmers are worried.
The 12-kilometre irrigation channel from Buyang was completed in 1982. It benefits more than 300 households in Khamdang.
Recently, about 12 metres of the stretch was completely swept away by a landslide triggered by a drinking water pipe burst. The water pipe runs parallel to the channel.
While the Gewog Administration has installed pipes to connect the damaged canal, the constant blockage at the joints is impeding the continuous water supply. Moreover, the farmers are worried that a landslide might inflict more damage to the canal due to the overflow of water at the blockage. The pipes need constant monitoring since leaves and debris block the water flow.
“Today I am transplanting paddy in my field. But I had to stay here to clear the leaves and debris blocking the water pipes. There is a risk that the remaining wall might also get washed away by the overflowing water,” said Dray Ngala, from Lengkhar in Khamdang.
“Usually, I am the first to start paddy cultivation because I stay in the upper part of the village. But this year, due to the damage to the irrigation channel, I am still not able to start the work. I am now worried,” added Tshundu Chophel.
“I am worried about whether we will get an irrigation water supply or not, I am ready for paddy cultivation but without a reliable water supply, I can’t go ahead,” said Sonam Choden, from the same gewog.
For now, the scarce irrigation water is divided among the chiwogs in the Gewog and it is not enough. Some farmers have started paddy transplantation by relying on the monsoon, while some even switched to upland paddy cultivation.
“Right after the damage, we have set up this water pipeline and the contractor is on the way to see the location, we are targeting to complete the construction within a week as our farmers are affected,” said Khamdang Gup Tashi Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, the drinking water pipe burst that caused the landslide at the site is also affecting people in the new Doksum town and Project new colony. Besides the population in these two areas, most of the people in Khamdang Gewog are supplied with drinking water through this pipe.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
Edited by Sonam
