Business entities that want to participate in dredging activities will now receive equal allotments. In the past, some received as much as 100 acres, while others were allotted only a few acres on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials say the new system aims to ensure fairness, equal participation, and responsible dredging.
Unlike in the past, officials said business entities will now have to participate in an open auction to obtain dredging sites.
During a consultation and stakeholder engagement meeting for the auctioning of dredging sites in Titiring, along the Amochhu yesterday, officials from the Department of Geology and Mines said no company, regardless of its technical or financial capacity, will be allowed more than 25 acres.
The department has identified 250 acres for dredging in Titiring, Amochhu and seven acres in Barsa river, Pasakha. The dredging works are expected to start soon before the monsoon starts.
In the meeting, the Director General of the Department of Geology and Mines said the auction process will ensure that only genuine and qualified bidders participate.
Moreover, he said that dredging is crucial for trade balance, generating revenue and maintaining currency reserves.
Phuntsho Namgyal, Director General of DGM said, “As we all know and can see, the Amochhu dredging is very important there. If river dredging is not carried out, sediments carried downstream by the river get accumulated and the risks for flooding increase. On the other hand, export of boulders and other similar materials is a good way to earn foreign currency. However, responsible dredging is very important.”
With a focus on responsible dredging, Phuentshogling thromde also hopes that existing issues like dust pollution and road damage by boulder trucks will be solved.
Thromde officials expressed their concerns and reiterated several points that Department of Geology and Mines, as the lead, should consider during the dredging activities.
Pema, Executive Secretary, Phuentshogling Thromde said, “We are facing severe dust pollution due to dredging activities, and heavy trucks are damaging our roads. Thromde fully recognises the importance of dredging and fully supports it, but our concern lies in how it is carried out. Poor execution and monitoring can have serious social and environmental impacts.”
Officials from the Department of Geology and Mines acknowledged the inconveniences caused by dredging and said strict monitoring will be carried out henceforth.
With tighter regulations, capped allotments, and increased monitoring, the new approach to dredging aims to balance economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility.
Kinley Dem
