Local leaders in Thimphu asked the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) to replace the power transmission cables in Chizhi and Wangbama under Ge-nyen Gewog during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu. According to them, the distance between the electric poles is too long causing the cables to hang low. They said on windy days, the loose power lines come into contact with each other causing sparks and triggering wildfires.
The Ge-nyen Gup said people have been losing their apple orchards to fire caused by the saggy transmission cables. He said there are risks that people will lose their homes and properties to fire if the problem is not addressed.
“Since the distance between the poles is very long, the cables get saggy by the year. There have been instances where our farmers lost their apple orchards and fencings to fire caused by these cables. If the cables are left unattended, there are risks that people will lose their homes and properties to fire,” said Karma Gyeltshen, the Ge-nyen Gup.
According to the BPC, the problem is genuine and it is already in their plans. They are also planning to replace it with safer cables.
“It is not feasible to change the cables for the whole gewog in one go because it will require a huge budget. We are planning to do it phase-wise. For safety, we will be replacing the cables with insulated cables,” said Passang, a Sr. Engineer with the BPC.
Similarly, in Lingzhi Gewog, erected electric poles in areas where helicopters can land are causing inconvenience. Lingzhi Gup Wangdi said whenever there is an emergency in the gewog, choppers have to land about three-four kilometres away from the gewog because of the poles.
“Sometimes, we have to carry the sick on our back to reach there. We have been requesting the BPC to shift the electric poles for quite some time now,” he said.
The BPC said the issue is being discussed with the Bhutan Helicopter Service.
“We have received a letter from the Bhutan Helicopter Service and discussing the issue with them. Without a road to transport the heavy materials, it will be difficult to carry out the works. However, if the gewog and Dzongkhag talk with the helicopter service to transport the materials, we will shift the poles,” the engineer of the BPC said.
He also said the local leaders have to identify the places where the poles will be shifted and register it with the BPC. However, with the pandemic situation showing no sign of improvement globally, it would be some time before the people’s request can be delivered. The BPC has to import the materials.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam
