Besides disrupting traffic and daily livelihoods, the recurring flooding at Amochhu in Phuentshogling is severely affecting boulder exporters and workers seeking permits. Hundreds of vehicles are often stranded when floodwaters cut off access, and forcing labourers to either walk long distances or wait for days to obtain the necessary permits.
Almost every day, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the flood-affected area after heavy rain brought down large volumes of debris, blocking the road.
Although machinery was deployed to clear the debris, the sheer volume made it difficult to fully restore access.
These recurring roadblocks have created significant challenges for exporters, whose trucks often remain stranded for hours or even days.
According to the Bhutan Export Association, the situation is particularly difficult for transporters because Indian drivers are required to exit Bhutan within 24 hours.
Unexpected road closures and prolonged delays make it increasingly challenging for them to meet this requirement.
Karma Gyeltshen, the vice president of Bhutan Export Association said, “Indian drivers have to exit in 24 hours and then enter again. But sometimes, drivers get stranded on the middle of the road due to unpredictable flooding. This is very difficult. We understand that it is the existing rules and regulations but in situations like this, adjustments are important.”
Similarly, labourers entering the country must travel along the same route to obtain their work permits.
With labour permit processing offices now located at the Workforce Management Centre in Amochhu, frequent roadblocks and flooding have made it increasingly difficult for both labourers and labour agents to complete documentation and processing on time.
Labour coordinator of Rabgay Foreign Worker Agent, Dorji Namgay said, “If the government can allow us to open temporary offices in the town, it will help a lot. Our greatest challenge right now is the road. More than us, labourers are struggling a lot, they have to walk long distances in the heat while carrying luggage. Right now, it is the season where many labourers enter the country.”
Kamal Limbu, the labour coordinator of Himalayan Foreign Worker Agent said, “Every morning, our staff reach here around 8AM but we get stuck here due to roadblock. We have to wait a lot, we cannot reach office until lunch time. Waiting here is also not easy because it is very hot. Moreover, labourers are struggling a lot because offices are located far from the town.”
Likewise, Besh Raj Ghalley who is the labour coordinator of Zhabtog Agent said, “It is taking two to three days for the labourers to obtain their work permit. Taxi fare have also increased. Earlier it was around Nu 300 but now it costs over Nu 500. The agents are also struggling a lot. It is not just us, everyone who need labourers are affected.”
Phuentshogling Thromde has spent more than Nu 2 M for clearance work until 8th June.
During an earlier interview, the executive secretary of Phuentshogling Thromde said a preliminary survey shows that the slides are being caused by an active landslide upstream.
As flooding and debris flows continue to disrupt access, those who depend on the route say the recurring problem is no longer just an inconvenience but a growing threat to trade, economic activity, and livelihoods.
And this morning, the recurring flooding in Amochhu took a new turn after floodwaters changed course and entered the NHDCL housing colony nearby.
Kinley Dem
