Semchen Tsethar Tshogpa, an association that rescues animals at Doteng Gewog in Paro is in the limelight but for all the wrong reasons. People of Hoongrel, Dopshari and Doteng Gewogs have lodged a complaint against the Tshogpa to the district administration for polluting their water and causing inconveniences. People claimed that the wastewater flowing from the pigsty goes directly into their water source (Doh-chhu), which is used for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Today, there are over 80 pigs rescued by the Tshogpa in Jango village. Initially, an individual leased the land to establish a piggery farm on private land for two years. But when the lease period ended, Semchen Tsethar Tshogpa leased the land by turning the farm into a rescue centre costing them over Nu 2 M. And it has been over five years now.
“There is a septic tank to treat all wastewater coming from the sty and only then it can be released into the river. But now the septic tank is not utilized. We have asked them to clear the area and treat wastewater but they didn’t listen. Some chiwogs of Shari, Hungrel and Doteng gewog depend on the river for drinking when there is water shortage,” said Lethro, the Doteng Gup.
“One of the chiwogs in our Gewog is on this river. When the water is scarce they use it for drinking purposes. Similarly, other gewogs also rely on the river. And the landowners here constantly complain about the foul smell. In spring, the foul smell gets blown away from the pigsty to the fields. And residents call me to collect the wastes,” added Sangay, the landowner who leased the land to the association.
The affected gewogs complained about the problem to the district administration following which the district officials carried out an inspection. The district then sent a directive to the Tshogpa in February this year.
The letter mentioned that the pigsty is located in the middle of the settlement and near the river which is violating the environmental guidelines and health protocols. They were asked to relocate.
However, even after the issuance of the directive, Semchen Tsethar Tshogpa did not move out. Nima Dema, a senior member of the Tshogpa said that they searched for state land in other gewogs but were unable to find a convenient location.
“We are worried too. We even discussed sharing and rearing the pigs. But that wasn’t again a practical solution. We even approached institutions to take the pigs but to no avail. We have no other choice but to request for an extension to continue staying here till we find a convenient location,” she said.
She added the Tshogpa will hereafter clear the waste storage tank for water treatment and maintain hygiene. Doteng Gewog plans to construct an archery range if the pig shelter is relocated.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
