Merak’s closely clustered settlement and the widespread use of firewood for heating have long raised concerns about the risk of fire. To improve fire safety, a new water supply system and fire hydrants have been installed across three chiwogs in Merak Gewog in Trashigang. The project was completed in June this year.
More than 300 houses in Merak are located close to one another, making the settlement vulnerable to fire. The risk is heightened during the colder months when residents rely heavily on firewood to keep warm.
To reduce the danger, the gewog has encouraged residents to keep their firewood at a safe distance from their homes.
Previously, many households stored firewood close to, or attached to, their houses, increasing the risk of fire spreading.
Now, the gewog is better prepared to respond to a fire emergency. A new firefighting water supply system, including a reservoir tank and pipelines, has been installed. The system is connected to 35 fire hydrants located across three chiwogs.
“The weather here is very cold, so we have to light fires every morning and evening, and sometimes even during the afternoon. Now, I feel more relieved because we have a firefighting water supply near our homes. If a fire breaks out, water is readily available. I have also seen that the water pressure is very strong,” said Kinzang Chophel, a resident of Merak Gewog, Trashigang.
“Even if some people take precautions, the actions of others can still put the entire community at risk. But now that we have a reliable water supply and firefighting equipment, I feel much more relieved,” said Sanjay Phuntsho, another resident of Merak Gewog, Trashigang.
“The water supply we have developed for firefighting purposes provides two benefits. Currently, the overflow from the water tank is being used for drinking purposes. At the same time, the system is ready to provide water immediately for firefighting during an emergency,” said Nima, Merak Gup, Trashigang.
The gup said soon the gewog will soon provide basic training to Chiwog Tshogpas and selected community members to operate firefighting equipment during emergencies.
The water supply project and installation of fire hydrants worth eight million ngultrum began in May last year and were completed in June this year.
The Indian Government, under the High Impact Community Development Projects, financially supported the project.
Fire continues to pose a significant threat to homes, forests and communities across the country. According to the police’s 2025 yearbook, more than 120 fire incidents were recorded last year, with house fires accounting for nearly half of the cases.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
