Following coal-mining activities in Rishor village in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Dewathang Gewog, about 35 households were relocated to Shingbuwoong village. While families have settled into their new homes, access to a reliable drinking water supply remains a major challenge.
About two years ago, the State Mining Corporation Limited started facilitating the relocation to carry out coal mining at Rishor.
Today, many families have completed their houses in Shingbuwoong village.
While State Mining Corporation Limited has provided electricity and road access, the water supply has yet to be delivered.
At present, villagers depend on a few small spring water sources near the village for drinking water.
However, with many households depending on them, the supply is not sufficient.
Tenzin Lhaden, a resident said, “Without a reliable water supply, we cannot cultivate vegetables, access drinking water, or maintain basic hygiene. SMCL is not supplying the water.”
Sangay Wangmo, another resident said, “SMCL agreed to provide us with water and held several meetings, but we still haven’t received the water. They have provided electricity, but I don’t know why the water supply is being delayed.”
Sonam Zangmo, also a resident said, “Water is insufficient as three households share a small spring water. Authorities have promised a proper water supply, but it has yet to be provided.”
Likewise, Pema Chedup said, “Water is not sufficient here. While it is adequate during the summer, we struggle in the dry season when the supply dries up.”
According to the State Mining Corporation Limited, works on the water supply could not proceed at the earlier identified water sources after intake chambers were washed away during the Dewathang–Nganglam highway construction.
However, an alternative water source has now been identified. The new Rural Water Supply and Sanitation system will be constructed on a cost-sharing basis with DANTAK and is currently under the tendering process.
The water supply system is expected to be completed and made functional by the end of March.
Kinley Wangchuk
