Bhutan is home to numerous lakes. But reports of lakes drying up across the country have become a grave concern. The story is no different for Gozhi Gewog in Dagana where a few lakes in the locality have started drying up. But as part of the lake revival initiative started last year, the district administration and relevant authorities have revived four lakes so far.
Jhorpokhori lakes located in upper Gozhi were revived in June this year. There used to be four lakes in the area. But the team was able to revive three as one had completely dried up.
The revival works include removing debris and invasive weeds from the lakes. The works were executed as per a hydrological analysis carried out by an expert from the College of Natural Resources in Punakha.
Dagana’s National Council Member, Surjaman Thapa, pioneered the revival works for the lakes with financial support from the district administration. The initiative is expected to address the drinking water shortage.
“At the moment, we don’t have a single water source Gozhi-Toed chiwog. With the revival of the lakes, we are hopeful of deriving new water sources. The new water sources will also help address the drinking water shortages in Gozhi and Gozhi-Maed chiwogs,” said Gozhi Gup, Kinzang Tobgay.
“The source of water and streams are all these lakes in southern regions. And today, because of the drying of these lakes many households in Gozhi Gewog have been suffering from drinking and irrigation water shortage,” said NC Member of Parliament, Surjaman Thapa.
The residents attribute the lack of care from communities to the gradual drying of the lakes.
“The lake is huge and looks haunting. With people gradually cutting down trees, the lake has dried up,” said D.B Sherpa, a resident from Gozhi-Toed.
Meanwhile, Buddhist scholars say reviving and taking care of lakes will bring prosperity to the community.
“Deities reside where there are lakes. If we can revive and take care of lakes, peace and prosperity prevail in the communities and nation as a whole. The communities will also receive timely rainfall and reap bountiful crop harvest,” said Daw Wangdi, Principal of Tashichoeling Monastic School in Dagapela.
The lake revival initiative has also revived Dungkar Tsho in Dogaag chiwog. The district plans to revive other lakes through the initiative.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sonam Pem
