Sarpang’s District Disaster Management team has warned a private contractor carrying out surface collection of riverbed materials that the company will be held accountable if any disasters occur in the nearby community. During the annual inspection of the dredging sites, the team found that the company has been carrying out dredging works beyond its authorised area. The district disaster management team inspects the surface collection and dredging sites every year to identify and assess potential risks of flash floods so they can plan and mitigate the risks before the onset of the monsoon.
Sarpang District Disaster Management Committee headed by the Dzongda and relevant stakeholders visited the Mao River and Shetikhari stream yesterday where surface collection of riverbed materials takes place.
The team found that the surface collection of riverbed materials and dredging happened beyond the identified area at Shetikhari.
The team had advised the private contractor to carry out dredging works by following the terms and conditions and to initiate any necessary mitigation work on time.
The companies authorised to carry out dredging works are required to initiate mitigation works as per the terms and conditions of the contract agreement.
In addition, the team had advised the contractor concerned to keep the river in the normal course while carrying out the dredging works.
Dzongda warned the contractor and the monitoring agency that they would be held accountable if any disasters occur in the community residing near any of the dredging sites.
“When we visited the ongoing riverbed surface collection site, almost 60% of the work was carried out by the terms and conditions. The works are underway and in some instances, they went beyond the designated area. They were advised to initiate mitigation works in unauthorized sites within the months of March and April this year. If they fail to comply with our recommendation and some natural calamities take place due to dredging beyond their designated area, they should be held accountable,” said Lobzang Dorji, Sarpang Dzongda.
“It is beneficial. Being local government leaders doesn’t work when we take initiative. The Dzongda is heading the assessment team this time. Contractors are concerned following the visit by the Dzongda,” said Prem Prasad Katel, the Gelephu Gup.
There are around seven dredging sites in Sarpang.
Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited carries out riverbed surface collection at the Mao River site and a private construction company was awarded three years’ contract to carry out surface collection of riverbed materials and dredging work at the Shetikhari stream.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Phub Gyem
