Barshong village at Naro Gewog in Thimphu, grapples with recurrent power outages, leaving its residents in prolonged darkness. According to villagers, the disruptions are due to fallen trees on electrical poles caused by windstorms, snowfall, and landslides. Normally, the Bhutan Power Corporation clears the surroundings of the poles, but in Barshong, the area falls within the jurisdiction of the Jigme Dorji National Park, preventing clearance operations. The residents eagerly await a viable solution to address this issue.
This remote village of Barshong, located about three hours’ drive from Thimphu town, frequently endures months of power outages. And it has just been over a year since the village was connected to electricity.
“It is not an issue if it is for a day or two but sometimes we have to live without electricity for months. During these times, we have to cook on the stove and sleep before dusk,” said Nari, a resident.
“Our village is situated in a hilly area, making it impossible to relocate the electric poles from the forest. But the only solution is clearing the trees near the electric poles and transmission lines, just like in other places,” said Nim Dorji, a resident.
Due to the frequent power outages, the villagers have also attempted to rely on solar energy, but their efforts have been in vain.
“We try to use solar energy but during winter, the solar panels are covered by snow, and in summer, the panels cannot be charged due to clouds and rain. We cannot even charge our mobile phones,” said Lhamo, another resident.
During the recent Thimphu Dzongkhag Tshogdu, the Naro Gup and Tshogpa requested relevant stakeholders to clear the bushes and trees surrounding the electric poles.
“When people lack access to basic amenities like electricity and network connectivity, they are hesitant to stay in their villages. These days, with Bhutanese leaving even places like Thimphu and Paro, I am worried how our villagers will be able to live in remote areas like this,” said Gyem Tshering, Naro Gup.
However, BPC officials responded that clearing forests will damage the pristine biodiversity.
Officials added that timely maintenance will be provided. However, the villagers will have to continue bearing the situation until a solution is found.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
