Residents of Kisaling and Damzhasa villages of Norbugang Gewog in Samtse are living in constant fear as the long-standing issue of river protection and diversion remains unresolved. The Diana and Dipu Rivers pose a significant risk to residents, especially during the monsoon season, putting villages and properties in danger.
The Diana River, usually calm, transforms into a raging torrent during monsoon, causing panic among riverside residents.
“There are about 50 to 60 households here in Kisaling village and if there is a flood, there is every chance that the whole village will be washed away,” said Gokul Ghalley, a resident of Kisaling.
Norbugang Central School, home to over 600 students is situated just meters away from the river. It is also at risk.
The situation is similar in Damzhasa or Dipujora village of the same gewog. According to the Gewog, about 10 households are at risk of being affected due to the landslides triggered by the Dipu River.
Recent discussions in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu have also shed light on the urgency of the matter, calling for immediate action.
“We have a central school, two villages of Dipujora and Dhapper along the two rivers. There have been several cases whereby these places have been affected due to the swollen river. That is why we have discussed the agenda during the recent Dzongkhag Tsogdu and requested flood mitigation projects in the gewog office,” said Yadu Raj Ghalley, Norbugang Gup.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu’s Monitoring and Evaluation Committee also conducted a review of the matter and confirmed the need for river retention walls or river rerouting to shield the villages and the school from floods.
Currently, it is estimated that around one-and-a-half kilometres of retention wall is required along the Diana River, and an additional 200 meters along the Dipu River. However, the financial requirements for these protective measures far exceed the gewog and district administration’s annual allocated budgets.
The Dzongkhag Tsogdu resolved to seek assistance from the Department of Disaster Management.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Kipchu
