The residents of Phuentshogling Toed, particularly in areas like Kabraytar and Dhamdara, are grappling with an acute water shortage. The ongoing water crisis has left many living without water for weeks, with some areas reporting shortages lasting months. Dried-up water sources coupled with an increasing population have left people struggling to meet their daily water needs.
Sharmila Limbu, the Phuentshogling Toed Tshogpa, says the situation is dire, and the thromde has cited a decrease in the water supply at the source as the primary reason.
“The water shortage has persisted for months. The thromde explained that the water source has dried up, and they are planning to bring water from a new source, but it will take time. The public needs an immediate solution.”
“It has been about 15 days without enough water. We do get water for about half an hour at night. The issue is not something new. Long ago, there were only about six houses, now there are more than thirty buildings,” said Kamal Tikhatri, a resident of Lower Dhamdara.
“It has been about a month without water. We are having a tough time. We did inform the city, but it seems nothing has been done. It is not just me but everyone in the area facing the same issue,” said Norbu Tshering, a resident of Lower Kabraytar.
“Sometimes the city sends water tankers and sometimes, fire vehicles come. However, this is not enough,” said Dew Bdr Mafchhan, a resident of Lower Kabraytar.
“We did inform Thromde but they have been saying that there is no water from the source. If the thromde can do something with the source and come up with a solution, it would be really helpful for the public,” said Kinley Tenzin, another resident of Lower Kabraytar.
However, Thromde officials say that people’s claim of not having water for months and weeks is not true. Although there has been a water shortage, officials said they have been distributing water through tankers.
The officials attribute the shortage to reduced water availability at the source and have plans to tap into a new water source to address the problem.
“The current water shortage is due to the drying up of the water source. To address the issue immediately, we are spending 6.4 million ngultrum to bring water from the new source. Proposals have been made in the 13th Five-Year Plan to permanently solve the water shortage issue and provide water 24/7,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon.
He said since the source is from the bore well, the water level drops especially in winter.
“We have plans to construct an interloop water system where if there is no water from one particular source, we can immediately distribute from another source. Existing pipelines are old and changing them would be expensive and we have no budget. This is why we have not been able to the solve water shortage issue.”
The Thrompon added that the Phuentshogling Amochhu Water Treatment Plant now deferred to the 13th Five-Year Plan is expected to address water shortage in Phuentshogling. However, with the plan yet to commence, residents must continue to endure the ongoing water crisis.
Kinley Dem, Phuenthsogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
