The two fuel depots in Samtse may soon be relocated as residents and local leaders continue to raise safety concerns. The recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu has decided to direct the District Administration to prioritise identifying safer locations. The depots are currently located within or near the growing town area.
With rapid urban development in Samtse, long-standing infrastructures like fuel depots are now drawing scrutiny. Both Tashi BOD and Damchen Petroleum, established decades ago, were once in isolated areas. But today, they sit amidst an expanding town, posing risks to residents and businesses.
Just weeks ago, panic struck Samtse town when a hut near the Tashi fuel depot caught fire. Though the fire was quickly contained, the incident has sparked renewed debate over the safety of the depot’s location.
Samtse Thromde Ngotshap Som Kumar Pradhan said, “It is very important that the fuel depots of Tashi and Damchen be relocated to a better and safer place. Today we have a lot of people and shops in the town areas. In cases of fire hazards, it will be very difficult.”
The recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu saw members unanimously supporting the relocation, and a decision was made to write to the District Administration to take the matter forward.
According to Tashi BOD officials, discussions on relocation are not new. They said they have been requesting the District Administration for a suitable location for the past few years and are willing to move as soon as they get one.
A few years ago, they had even proposed relocating the depot near the junction connecting Samtse town, Sibsoo, and the Samtse gate.
Similarly, Damchen Petroleum officials maintain that their depot, situated slightly away from the main town, poses limited risk. However, they too are open to relocating if a proper alternative site is identified by the authorities.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
