After depending on an ageing irrigation channel for decades, farmers in Trashigang’s Udzorong Gewog hoped a recent maintenance would finally solve water issues. But some said the upgraded system is falling short of expectations. They said the new channel is not delivering enough water and may not hold up during the monsoon.
Of the nearly three-kilometre Khengri-Lamzang irrigation channel, almost a kilometre has been constructed using concrete, while the remaining stretch was designed to supply water using pipelines.
However, during a test run, some farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the water volume supplied through the pipes. They recommended using an open channel.
Regarding the concrete structure, farmers said that overflowing water from the channel could damage nearby farm roads. They are also concerned that the concrete drains and tanks may not withstand heavy monsoon rains.
The irrigation channel is expected to benefit around 70 households in Udzorong Gewog, irrigating approximately 35 acres of farmland.
Sangay Tenzin, Chairperson of Lamzang Irrigation Group said, “The engineer has constructed a good concrete channel. However, I doubt whether proper alignment was done, as it seems they didn’t use machines. The water overflows at some sections and this water might damage environment, farm roads and I think this will give problems in future.”
Phurpa, a farmer said, “The government has invested a huge amount of money and constructed the channel using cement. I think the irrigation channel is small and I doubt this water supply will be enough. If it is solely for Lamzang, then it will be enough. However, we have a lot of farmers with new fields being developed, so I think this water will not be enough.”
Likewise, Pema Tenzin said, “We could not cultivate potatoes and maize as our irrigation channel was under construction. Officials were also working to make the water supply available during this paddy cultivation, but the volume was not up to our satisfaction level. We were expecting a good amount of water.”
The Trashigang District Engineer said the irrigation channel was constructed as per the design with an open drainage system, and pipelines were used in line with the Commercial Agriculture Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme’s criteria.
CARLEP funded the project worth Nu 5.7 M.
The pipelines were later removed following farmers’ concerns, and the system reverted to the open channel in the interest of landowners.
The engineer added that any damage to the concrete channel or tank will be repaired, as 10 per cent of the project’s budget has been retained as a security deposit.
Despite these challenges, the new irrigation channel is now operational.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Tshering Zam
