People living in Pelrithang Khatoed and Pelrithang Khamoed in Gelephu Gewog are worried about possible flooding this monsoon. The Dowla stream, which runs near their settlements, has almost reached the same level as their homes. Around 50 households live along the stream, and they say the situation is getting worse each year.
The Dowla stream remains dry during winter but swells up quickly when there are continuous showers. It eventually flows into the Mao River.
Residents of Pelrithang Khatoed and Pelrithang Khamoed say the Dowla stream used to be much lower than their settlements in the past. But over the years, sand and debris have gradually filled up the streambed.
They say the gewog administration has put in place some mitigation measures at critical points to prevent water from entering the community. However, some of the walls built earlier are now being buried under fresh layers of sand and debris.
The residents are calling on the concerned agencies to step in. They want the stream to be dredged and proper walls constructed on both sides to keep the water flowing within its course, especially during the monsoon.
“The water level of the Dowla stream was very low in the past, but over the years, the accumulation of sand and debris has raised it to the same level as the settlement areas, posing a high risk of flooding the community. If the concerned agency could carry out dredging work, it would be of immense help. We have to sleep in fear during heavy showers,” said Norbu, a resident of Pelrithang Khatoed, Gelephu Gewog.
“It has been 21 years since I settled here. During that time, the water level was much lower than the settlement. But over the years, continuous rainfall has led to the accumulation of sand and debris, raising the level of the Dowla stream to the same height as the settlement area. They have built small walls, but they won’t make much difference,” said Kinley, another resident.
“We fear heavy showers because the stream has come very close to our house. They are carrying out dredging work at the Shetikhari stream, and if similar work is started here, it would greatly benefit the public,” said Lachuman Gimiray, also a resident.
The Gelephu gup said the gewog currently does not have enough funds to carry out full mitigation work along the Dowla stream. However, he assured that necessary interventions will be made in areas that are most at risk.
He added that a proper mitigation plan for both the Dowla and Jogi streams will be implemented in phases. Residents hope that timely intervention will help protect their homes before the monsoon rains begin.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
