It has been almost a year since a thorough assessment was carried out on the infrastructure and land affected by the gypsum mining at Khothakpa in Pema Gatshel. The State Mining Corporation, SMCL has been instructed to compensate the affected households and also provide financial support for their relocation. As the delay continues, residents say it has become increasingly difficult to carry on with their daily lives. They are urging the government to confirm whether they will receive compensation or not.
Gypsum mining in Khothakpa is expected to expand to over 50 acres.
The extension will affect more than 50 households.
Some houses near the mining sites have already developed cracks.
Dorji is among one of the affected residents. If provided compensation for the damaged house and a land to relocate, his family is prepared to move any time.
They were instructed not to construct any structures or plant fruit trees after last year’s assessment. As a result, some construction projects have been halted, and residents have stopped planting altogether.
The energy and natural resources ministry, in May this year, directed SMCL to bear compensation amounting to nearly 175 million ngultrum to the affected households and also to provide financial support for their relocation.
They have been waiting nearly a year for compensation and land substitution, but nothing has materialised so far.
“I had already started constructing a new house, but we were told the land would be taken by the state. So, the construction had to stop immediately. My old house has also developed cracks because of the blasting at the mining site. Now we are stuck, with the new construction halted and the old house falling apart,” said Dorji.
Another resident Mendri Zangmo said, “Even after a year, we haven’t heard anything about our compensation. As farmers, we have many expenses to cover, especially for our children. We depend on loan, but we do not get it since the land is expected to be taken by the state.”
“I cannot just sit idle after completing the house. We have repayments to make. My old house is vacant, and even tenants don’t stay long. They leave within a month because of the dust and poor road conditions. I stay here while my house remains empty there. We are really worried,” said Sonam Zangmo, also a resident.
Residents added that if this delay continues, it will only worsen the situation for affected families.
Meanwhile, the gewog administration says several letters have been submitted to the relevant authorities, but no action has been taken so far.
Shumar Gup Sonam Dendup said, “As our responsibility, we submitted an inquiry letter to the Department of Geology and Mines through the district. But even today, we have not received any confirmation. This has left the affected house owners in complete uncertainty.”
The gewog administration hopes the relevant office will take immediate action to ease the burden faced by residents of Khothakpa and Denchi.
According to the SMCL, considering the significant amount involved in compensation and resettlement, it is important to conduct further exploration to verify deposit continuity and evaluate the full potential of the reserve.
The corporation added it strongly recommends implementing resettlement in a single phase to avoid repeated disruptions for the community.
Further, the corporation has discussed the proposals with DHI and submitted to the ministry adding that the company and the DHI remain fully committed to providing compensation to the affected community based on the ministry’s directive.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
