The Buyang-Khamdang irrigation channel continues to sustain over 600 households in Tashi Yangtse’s Khamdang Gewog. This simple yet vital lifeline is a gift from His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Inaugurated in 1977, the channel has transformed daily life, enabling generations of farmers to cultivate their land and thrive.
Until the irrigation channel was built in 1976, the people of Khamdang relied on a water pond for both drinking and cultivation.
Elders in the gewog recall the news of the Buyang–Khamdang Irrigation Project reaching them like a long-awaited blessing.
And indeed, it was a blessing. Nearly five decades later, this remains the only irrigation source for the community.
It transformed lives. Families began growing paddy and actively engaging in farming activities.
Nungpo, who was around 13 years old when the village got the irrigation said, “We couldn’t believe it. It felt impossible. But His Majesty the Fourth King deployed experts, and within two to three years, the water had reached Tsenkharla. It brought new life to our community.”
Over the years, the district and gewog administrations have carried out several maintenance works, first in 2014, and again in 2023, to preserve this royal gift.
The channel irrigates over 15,000 acres of land today.
“We have no other water source. Buyang is our only lifeline, for farming and sometimes even for drinking. When it dries up, we really suffer. We use the water on a rotation basis, and rainfall helps us a lot,” said Ngawang Dheychu, a farmer from Khamdang.
“The water isn’t just for farming. Even cattle, birds, and insects depend on it. Sometimes, people drink it too. For us in Khamdang, more than 90 per cent rely on this water. We remain deeply grateful to His Majesty for this invaluable service,” said Gyeltshen, another farmer.
For people, this gift remains invaluable.
The gentle sound of flowing water, the rustle of ripened paddy, and the sight of abundant harvests continue to remind them of the care and compassion His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo bestowed upon his people during his reign.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
Edited by Sangay Chezom
