For decades, residents of Babithang in Dagana’s Tsangkha Gewog have been struggling with an acute drinking water shortage. The issue continues disrupting daily life, and residents are urging the gewog administration to intervene promptly. Residents fear the situation will worsen as the existing water source dries up with the growing population.
Every household in the village has barrels for water storage, some of which are filled with rainwater rather than drinking water, while others remain empty.
Residents often rely on rainwater to cope with the drinking water shortage, and the early rain this year has brought some relief.
The current drinking water supply was established nearly two decades ago. Although some minor repairing works were carried out, the drying source and increasing settlement have left the supply barely sufficient.
This scarcity has affected residents’ daily routines, making tasks like cooking and maintaining personal hygiene increasingly difficult.
“The drinking water problem becomes severe in the peak winter season and continues into spring. It is even worse for those of us living in lower areas. We have to store water in tanks and barrels for use,” said Tshewang Thinley, a resident.
Yuden, another resident added, “We don’t even get enough water for cooking, washing clothes, and bathing. As the weather gets hotter, we are forced to skip baths, which makes us uncomfortable. We only bathe when we have a bit of water in the tanks.”
“We can’t make a water offering at home. I manage with the little water we get because it is something we can’t neglect. This problem has persisted for years, and the water source has also dried up over time,” said Jigme Wangmo, a resident.
Residents said they are interested in starting large-scale vegetable and fruit production. However, water shortage continues to hold them back.
At present, they grow vegetables only for self-consumption.
Tshewang Thinley said, “Some residents manage to grow vegetables in their kitchen gardens. But it’s impossible for those of us living in the lower areas. I am very passionate about farming, but every time I plant, the crops dry up due to lack of water and extreme heat.”
Jigme Wangmo said, “My chilli plants are thriving these days because of rain. Everything grows well here if there’s enough water. We don’t even need to look for customers since vegetable vendors supplying to Thimphu come to our doorsteps.”
Meanwhile, the Tsangkha Gup in a telephone interview said the gewog administration is aware of the problem and is planning to construct a reliable drinking water supply for the village. He assured that the works would start soon.
Until then, residents in the village will continue struggling with the water crisis.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sangay Chezom
