The people of Damji under Khamaed Gewog in Gasa have been given back their land that was destroyed by the flash flood in June, last year. It had, initially, been decided that the farmers would be compensated for their damaged land.
Damji is an agrarian village that grows rice and vegetables. After the flood, last year, a team of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests assessed that the land was not fit for reuse, so the dzongkhag decided to provide compensation to farmers. “Even if we reused the land, it would be futile because the land has lost its fertility.
Secondly, there is the risk of another flash food. It makes no sense to farm the same land,” said Gasa Dzongda, Sonam Jigme.
The people of Damji, however, refused compensation. They wanted to keep their own land. Upon Royal Command of His Majesty the King, the people now have their land re-aligned and terraced.
“…The dzongkhag managed the excavator and the fuel was provided by the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s office.” said the Dzongda.
Irrigation channels and roads that were destroyed by the flood have also been repaired.
