River dredging works are in full swing at the Kherini landslide area in Phuentshogling. During river dredging, accumulated debris are being removed and the waterway is restored to its original depth and condition. This is considering the potential risk of the Amochhu turning into an artificial lake after a landslide at Pachhugang village in Phuentshogling Gewog partially blocked the river from flowing freely.
The landslide at Pachhugang also known as Balden Dara is eroding every monsoon. This summer, aside from affecting a few households in Pachhugang, the debris deposited on the bank of Amochhu has obstructed the river flow.
After officials from Phuentshogling Dunkhang visited the site multiple times, a special team from Thimphu also visited the slide area to carry out an assessment.
After studying the feasibility of river dredging, two excavators were deployed to the site yesterday to clear the accumulated debris caused by the landslide.
“Although the landslide here is not new, the slide this monsoon has been severe. This has led to the blockage of the river. It is almost creating an artificial lake and so, we cannot wait until winter to carry out the mitigation works. We had no option but to carry out the dredging works urgently,” said Phuentshogling Dungpa Karma Jurmi. “
He also added this poses risk for people living in Phuentshogling as well as the settlements downstream.
The dungkhag is planning major mitigation works during the winter.
“Considering the potential risks, what we are doing today won’t be a long-term measure. So, to prevent lake formation, we will have to create a terrain-like field. Along with the dredging works, we will also have to look at planting trees
in the slide areas,” said the Phuentshogling Dungpa.
The dungpa added they will also have to look for any small river tributaries in the slide area. If found, then they will have to channel the water in another direction.
Although the current dredging works are on track, the dungpa said driving the excavators to the site was the most challenging.
With the slide area being remote with no road accessibility and steep terrain, the machines had to make their own route to get to the site, which took two days.
Meanwhile, the dungpa said the route will enable easy access to the site should there be any emergency in the future.
Along with the Phuentshogling Dungkhag officials, the Home Secretary, and officials from the disaster management are also monitoring the works.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Phub Gyem
