A massive landslide has left more than 120 families in Deling–Marpji chiwog of Phuentshogling Gewog isolated for the past eight months. The disruption has affected their livelihoods and cut off access to markets and essential services. With the monsoon approaching, residents fear the situation could worsen.
Since October last year, residents of Deling–Marpji chiwog have been without a proper road. An active landslide destroyed the only access route to the villages. Since then, people have been walking for hours to avail themselves of basic services.
Farmers have been unable to transport agricultural and livestock products to markets. Bringing in essential goods has also become a daily struggle. Residents say the problem is more serious during emergencies.
An alternative route was later opened from Hatigar Bridge in Logchina, running along the riverbank. However, the road becomes unusable during the monsoon.
Local authorities then explored another route from Khariphu. The road bypasses the landslide area and reconnects to the old route. But the terrain is steep and unstable, raising concerns about how long the road will remain usable.
“We have to carry our produce on our backs to take it to Phuentshogling. Labour charges are very high. Earlier, transporting goods by vehicle cost about Nu 2 per kg. Now we have to pay around Nu 7 per kg. This leaves us with almost no profit. Bringing essential goods back to the village is also expensive and difficult,” said Chatra Bdr Rai, a resident.
“We have to walk for more than two hours, and the labour charges are high. It has been very challenging. The new road has made things a little easier for us. However, we are not sure how long the road will remain usable. People in the community have agreed to work together to try and keep it open,” said Prakash Limbu, a resident of Marpji.
“Our lives have been difficult since the landslide cut off our road in October last year. We depend on agriculture, livestock and piggery farming. Taking our produce to the market has become a major challenge. The opening of this road has given us some relief. But we are still worried about what will happen during the summer. We hope the government will help make the road stable and usable,” said Mongal Singh Rai, another resident of Marpji.
For now, residents and local authorities are working together to keep the road open.
But with the monsoon nearing, uncertainty remains. Will the community stay connected or be cut off, once again?
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
