Jomotshangkha Dungkhag in Samdrup Jongkhar continues to struggle with erratic power supply, especially during monsoons. Currently, Lauri and Serthig Gewogs have been without a power supply for about a week. Residents of the two Gewogs are urging local authorities to ensure a reliable power supply in the area.
After heavy rainfall last week, the power lines and electric poles were damaged at various locations.
This has left the residents of Langchenphu, Serthig, and Lauri Gewog without power supply.
Although the power supply for Langchenphu Gewog was restored within two days, the Bhutan Power Corporation has yet to restore the power supply for Serthig and Lauri Gewogs.
“Without a power supply, we are facing difficulty. From cooking to availing ourselves of banking services and receiving information through mobile phones, everything depends on electricity,” said Pema Dendup, a resident.
“I do not know why the power supply gets disrupted here every year. The road is also blocked for 10 days. We are facing difficulty. We would be grateful if we can get a reliable power supply,” said Tawki Lhamo, another villager.
The problem existed since 2015 when the dungkhag received electricity.
Until last year, the Bhutan Power Corporation said that officials were not able to reach the faulty lines immediately as the electric poles were located far away from road points.
So, the BPC has realigned the power lines between Samrang and Langchenphu Gewog.
According to the BPC, they have plans to construct about three towers for Serthig and Lauri Gewogs.
Officials said it is better to construct towers as the electric poles are easily damaged by the swollen rivers and windstorms.
Although the power lines are realigned, officials added that they are not able to restore the power supply immediately due to roadblocks and swollen rivers.
Officials added that they are unable to restore the power supply for Lauri and Serthig Gewogs due to the swollen Jomori River. However, they are exploring options to cross the river.
It is not known when the power supply will be restored but the residents are expecting it at the earliest.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
