Over the years, Bumthang has seen major infrastructure improvement after the new town development plan. Internal roads, street lights, and other essential facilities have improved. However, access to adequate drinking water remains a major concern. The district currently does not have enough budget to build a proper water supply system. Officials raised the issue during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Under the new town development plan, Bumthang town has been divided into three townships: Chamkhar, Jalikhar, and Dekiling. However, these townships are now facing increasing water shortages.
Tshomo, a resident of Dekiling town said,“Sometimes we have to store water in containers. At times, we even have to use drinking water for the toilet. The water supply is not sufficient, especially as many new houses are being constructed. As more houses come up, the water supply is becoming inadequate.”
Similarly, Tekpa said, “Some tenants even vacate our homes out of frustration when the water supply keeps running out. Some households have their own private water sources, but even those are not enough. Most of the time, water can’t to reach our village as we are located on a slope.”
A resident of Chamkhar town, Chimi Wangchuk said, “In summer, the water we receive often contains sand, sticks, leaves, and small pebbles. It becomes difficult for us to prepare meals using muddy water. So, most of the time, we have to store water in containers and wait for the sediments to settle.”
Thromde Ngotshab Ugyen Sangay said, “The water supply system was constructed in 2004 as a rural water supply scheme. At that time, there were not many houses like today. However, after Chamkhar town was relocated, people started buying land and constructing houses. As a result, water shortage has now become a major issue.”
During the Dzongkhag Tshogdu session, the district engineer raised the urgent need for financial support to address the issue.
District Engineer Tshewang Penjor said, “We have repeatedly submitted applications to the ministry seeking budget support. However, we have been informed that the budget must be approved at the higher level.”
The district engineer added that according to the recently revised master plan, constructing a reliable water supply system will require a substantial budget, which cannot be covered through the district’s annual grant.
The construction of water supply system for the three town areas is estimated to cost over 280 million ngultrum.
Jampel, Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson added that “It is not possible to construct the water supply system using our annual district grant. Water is a basic necessity, and if the government provides budget support for this project, it will greatly help resolve the drinking water shortage in our towns.”
Following discussions, the members unanimously agreed to write to the government to request a separate budget for the water supply project.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
