Gypsum mining has been a crucial driver of economic growth in the country. However, residents near the mining sites face challenges from the dust, blasting, and heavy machinery operations. The Pema Gatshel District Administration is assessing the situation to raise these concerns with the State Mining Corporation and the Department of Geology and Mines.
Residents living near the Khothakpa gypsum mining area reported that cracks have appeared on the walls of their homes due to blasting and the movement of heavy vehicles.
And dust pollution is another problem.
Karsang Dorji, a resident said “Cracks have developed on my bedroom walls. There are risks of the walls collapsing.”
Wangmo, another resident said “There are several cracks on the walls. It is even hard to close the door due to the cracks.”
They only want to be relocated from the current area, along with compensation.
Jamtsho, a resident said “If the government relocates us just 200 meters away from our current settlement, it would be much easier for us to live together as a community. Right now, we are forced to stay on the remaining land, and as the mining operations expand, we are pushed further out. It’s disheartening, and we constantly feel at risk.”
Wangmo said “If the government offers land for resettlement, I am willing to move. I cannot continue to live here as the mining operations keep expanding, and they deploy larger machines.”
“We would be grateful if the government could allocate us land at a new location. Being scattered in different areas would be very inconvenient for us. If we could be relocated together, it would make life much easier for everyone,” said Karsang Dorji, a resident.
The gewog administration is aware of the problem. Gewog officials visited the affected areas and acknowledged the issues faced by the residents.
As a result, they have requested the district administration to intervene.
Sonam Dhendup, Shumar Gup said “At the gewog level, we do not have the expertise to conduct assessments. Moreover, our human resource is limited. However, we have not ignored their concerns. We have written to the district administration, urging them to carry out a proper evaluation and assess the risks.”
The district administration, currently assessing the situation, plans to reach out to the State Mining Corporation and the Department of Geology and Mines, urging them to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
Additionally, the affected households raised their concerns during a public consultation by the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in September.
As the situation unfolds, residents of more than 40 households living near the mining sites remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that solutions will be found.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
