Residents, living within the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) zone near Wangdichhoeling in Bumthang, say it is time the dzongkhag administration relocate the settlement to a safer ground.
It has been nine years since the dzongkhag froze construction in the area.
Sonam, 36, is among those living within the GLOF hazardous zone. Nine years ago, she planned to construct a permanent house and acquired construction material. But the plan never materialised.
“We have been seeking permission from the dzongkhag for construction. First, they said it is risky. Later, they said they will look at it after the highway construction is complete.”
Like Sonam, there are nine others living within the zone. Some of them agree the dzongkhag’s decision to freeze construction is for their own safety. But they say they have waited far too long for an alternative
On the other side of the river at Bathpalathang, they have constructed river embankment walls and diverted the river. Some say we might have to move to another place. For that, we need land which we don’t have. So we are hoping the government would provide us with substitute land in a safer place,” said a residen, Karma.
Bumthang Dzongda said as of now, there are no plans to relocate or compensate the 10 households. He said if people insist, they may go ahead with the construction by submitting a letter of undertaking to the dzongkhag.
However, they will not be entitled to loans or insurance, he added.
