With the onset of the winter season, villagers of Thizor village in Martshala Gewog of Samdrup Jongkhar are facing a drinking water shortage. The only water source dries up during the dry season. Without adequate water, people say it is difficult to maintain hygiene.
Located about a kilometre from Thizor village, this small stream serves as the main water source for about 15 households.
Villagers say they face acute water shortages during winter as the source dries up.
“We have only this water source. We don’t have enough water for vegetable cultivation. Moreover, we don’t have any other water sources. And the only water source dries up during winter and with the increasing number of households in the village, we face water shortage,” said Jigme Dorji, a resident.
“We face water shortage. The source is small and the water is not enough for us. Sometimes, we don’t have enough water for cooking purposes,” Dema, another resident.
With fertile land and “favourable weather, the village is suitable to grow vegetables even during winter if only they have enough water.
But there is good news. Samdrupcholing Dungkhag and Martshala Gewog Administration have identified a new water source from Shem Shem which is about 10 kilometres from Thizor village.
The Desuung National Service Water Project is expected to carry out the works to supply drinking water.
“In Martshala gewog, we have water problem in Thizor, Gortongma and Seytsalo villages.And for that, we have allocated Nu 9 M under the flagship water programme. The work will start soon,” said Yenten Dorji, Martshala Gup.
He added that the new water source will benefit about 78 households in three villages.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
