For most of us, heavy rain in the monsoon means landslides and blocked roads. But for the people of Yongkola and Thridangbi in Monggar’s Saling Gewog, rain has become a lifeline. Heavy rainfall recently damaged their main water source and pipeline, and for now, the rainwater they collect is all that many households have for daily use, including drinking.
In Upper Thridangbi and Yongkola, residents now watch the sky each morning, waiting for rain to fill their empty barrels and containers. This has been a routine since their water supply was cut off about a week ago. More than 50 households depend on the supply.
Residents tried to repair the damage themselves, but without success.
“We have no other alternative than to rely on rainwater. There is a spring of water nearby, but it is not enough to meet everyone’s needs. We tried using old pipes to replace the damaged ones, but they are useless,” said Kezang Chophel, a resident of Sershingthang, Saling Gewog, Monggar.
“The rainfall disrupted our water system and caused difficulties for us and our cattle. Access to clean drinking water is our main concern. In some areas, the rain washed away walking trails. As a result, our cattle can no longer roam freely in search of water,” said Dorji, a resident of Thridangbi, Saling Gewog, Monggar.
The community’s water management committee has also been searching for an alternative source, but so far has found none.
“The existing source is quite far and located on steep terrain. Our water management committee members went to assess the source, but could not do it because the area was still eroding, with huge rocks covering the site. The reservoir tanks have been washed away as well. We tried to dig a pit to store water near the source, but due to the continuous falling of boulders and the swollen stream, it was not possible,” said Phuntsho Wangmo, a resident of Sershingthang, Saling Gewog, Monggar.
In a community this small, everyone shares the strain, including those renting houses, who now have to haul water for their tenants.
“Everyone here is affected and aware of the water scarcity these days. That’s why our tenants are not complaining. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility to provide them with basic needs such as water and fetch it in barrels from nearby streams,” said Chenga La, a resident of Yongkola, Saling Gewog, Monggar.
The gewog administration is aware of the situation. However, the main repair is beyond what it can fund alone.
“We have been doing everything possible within the gewog’s capacity. Replacing the pipes is the main challenge. We need bigger pipes and cannot afford them. We will have to request the ministry for replacement, and it should be processed through the district’s disaster office. This could take time, but we are trying to expedite the procurement,” said Sonam, Saling Gup, Monggar.
As a temporary intervention, the gewog office has laid smaller pipes for Thridangbi Primary School and nearby households to draw water from a closer spring. Since yesterday, water supply to some households has also been restored, although not completely.
Meanwhile, for many households, the ordeal of depending on rain and fetching water from nearby sources continues. This dependence has also left them in a quiet contradiction – the same monsoon rain that severed their water supply is now what’s keeping their barrels full.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
