Although a bridge and gabion retaining walls covering only some parts of the Lalong Drang stream were constructed a few years ago, parents and the school administration are still requesting for the construction of additional protection walls. This is to ensure safety of the children studying at Jerelemi Primary School in Trashigang’s Khaling Gewog.
The Lalong Drang stream flows just next to Jerelemi Primary school.
Although the stream becomes shallow in winter, it swells in summer, posing risks to the students.
The bridge and gabion walls were constructed to minimise the risk of flooding a few years ago but parents are still requesting for enhanced safety measures.
Currently, more than 70 students reside in boarding facility in the school enrolled from Khaling and nearby gewogs.
“We have been worrying about the flood because our present wall seems to be quite low. If possible we need to raise the height of the wall by a metre or so. Moreover, more walls need to be constructed above bridge,” said Kota, a parent.
“Once we came to the school to meet our children, there was a sudden flash flood and the road was submerged in water. I reached home before the flood but some parents were still on the way. Compared to the past, our worries are bit eased but if additional protection walls are constructed, we will be much relieved,” said Tshering Zangmo, another parent.
“With the support of the gewog administration, we have constructed the walls and it has been about three years now. Though the stream is shallow in winters, it becomes big during monsoon, so we cannot predict when it will breach its banks. The existing walls are crumbling, so there are risks to the school,” said Tshering, Principal of Jerelemi Primary School.
The Khaling Gewog Administration has proposed for budget to the government to construct additional walls.
“The stream has been posing risk for so many years now, however, teachers have been ensuring safety of the children, so no casualties has been reported so far. We have proposed to construct protection walls in the first financial year of the 13th Five Year Plan. We hope the government will provide us with the budget, if not the school will remain at risk. I hope officials concerned would visit the place, assess the risks and give priority to the project,” said Sonam Dorji, Khaling Gup.
The school was established in 1991. There are around 80 students studying in the school.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Kipchu
