In the remote hills of Monggar, over 35 households in Risa Village have been struggling for years to get enough clean drinking water. The source lies far, the pipeline fails regularly, and each passing year brings less water than the last. However, the local government has begun constructing reservoirs for each household to address the long-standing shortage.
Risa is one of the most remote villages in Saling Gewog, nearly 17 kilometres from the gewog centre. For years, residents here have relied on a water source called Dolapchan, which is over 13 kilometres away. A reservoir collects the water and distributes it within the community.
However, residents say the supply does not keep up with the demand. The biggest challenge comes in summer. The pipeline running from Dolapchan to the village passes through dense forest. When the pipe bursts or gets clogged, which happens often, no one can reach it to make repairs. Residents say they have no choice but to collect rainwater to survive.
“The water source is located at a very long distance. When it gets clogged, we cannot go and fix it. The way to the water source is covered by thick vegetation infested by leeches; they are impenetrable during summer, and only in winter can we go and fix it,” said Sangay Dema, a resident of Risa.
“I live in Brangsarzor. By the time water reaches us, the flow has barely reduced it to a drop. Currently, there are six households here, and we are the worst affected in the entire village. There isn’t enough water to flush the toilet or wash dishes, and the situation becomes especially difficult when we have guests,” said Seldon, another resident, Risa.
“If the supply from the source, Dolapchan, is consistent, it would solve the issue, as the source is large. However, when it gets clogged, we cannot go and fix it. The source is located about 13 kilometres from the settlement,” said Ngawang Seldon, also a resident.
To address this long-standing problem, Saling Gewog is now constructing a dedicated water reservoir for every household in Risa. Each tank holds nearly 7,000 litres.
“From the gewog grant, we regularly allocate a budget for drinking water supply, as sources dry up every year due to climate variations. This year, through the gewog tshogde, we decided to address the water shortage. We are working closely with the residents, the gewog is providing construction materials such as cement and iron rods, while the community will contribute gravel, sand and labour,” said Sonam, Saling Gup, Monggar.
Similar projects are also underway in Thridangbi and Kalapang villages. In total, the gewog is investing more than one million ngultrum to bring reliable water to 70 households across all three villages.
Construction of the reservoirs began earlier this year and is expected to be completed within this financial year.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
