Residents of Darachhu in Patshaling Gewog in Tsirang want relevant agencies to initiate lake revival works for Dara Tsho which is on the verge of drying up. Residents said no authority concerned has taken up any revival works despite the lake turning into a grassland. They say, reviving the lake will not only preserve the ecosystem but help promote the area as a tourist destination.
Today, the lake, which is longer than an archery range is all covered with grasses and bushes.
In the past, the residents have constructed walls to restrict their animals from entering into the lake but today it has become like any other grazing area.
Residents said the lake started shrinking gradually some four decades ago after the Tsirang-Sarpang Highway construction works. The lake is located around 100 metres below the highway.
Some elderly people in Darachhu said it is time for the authorities concerned to initiate revival works.
“The lake used to be very big before the construction of the highway,” said Pema Choki Sherpa, a resident.
“After the highway construction, the lake could have dried up due to debris and other materials which might have got into the lake. Named as Darachhu, the lake’s length used to be as long as an archery range in the past,” said Gelay Sherpa, another resident.
They are hoping that the revival of the lake will attract more visitors which will help in improving their livelihoods.
The Patshaling Gewog Administration had plans to rehabilitate the lake in 2018 but could not carry out due to budget constraints.
Even today the gewog administration does not have an allocated budget, but they hope to carry out the revival work.
“The gewog administration is ready to provide the necessary support to the district administration by prioritising the lake revival works,” said Chabi Kumar Rai, Patshaling Gup.
The lake is located some 25 kilometres from Damphu in Tsirang towards Sarpang.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
