Residents of Tashichhoeling under Tareythang Gewog in Sarpang will soon have enough water to irrigate over 50 acres of dry land and 10 acres of wetland. The Desuung National Service launched the ninth pilot project to address water shortage issues in the gewog today. The project aims to bring water from Singgyechhu water source, which is 1.7 kilometres away from Tashichhoeling.
The water project will benefit 24 households of Tashichhoeling village.
Sarpang Dzongda Lobzang Dorji launched the Water Project in Taraythang today. The Dzongda highlighted the importance of taking ownership of the irrigation facility by the beneficiaries for long time sustainability and make proper use after its completion.
“After the water project is complete, people should not leave without care like past irrigation facilities, it is for our own benefit, it’s not to help anyone. Community people should take ownership of the irrigation facility and make the best use of it,” he said.
Taraythang Gup Narayan Neopany said the irrigation facility would enable farmers for carrying out farming throughout the season which would help to improve the livelihood of the farmers.
“Though we have access to an irrigation canal, we have to wait for the rain as the canal barely serve its purpose. If there is rain, we could carry out farming work. Otherwise, it is not possible at all but now not only in summer but in winter also will have continuous water flow,” he said.
The project is estimated to cost more than Nu 7 M. The project will be executed by Desuups, and implemented in collaboration with the Armed forces and the Royal Government of Bhutan, with the agriculture and forests ministry as the main RGoB partner agency. A total of 35 Desuups from 42nd, 43rd and 44th batches will be employed for a period of three months for bringing uninterrupted irrigation water to the village.
The irrigation facilities will be handed over to the gewog and the beneficiary community after completion.
Karma Wangdi
