The flood and landslide risk mitigation project at Pachhugang in Phuentshogling has been completed. The Chhukha District Administration and the Phuentshogling Dungkhag in collaboration with relevant offices carried out the project. Last summer, debris from a landslide accumulated on the banks of Amochhu had partially blocked the river, raising concerns about potential formation of an artificial lake.
Today, several households have been relocated from Pachhugang after the landslide posed threat to the people last summer.
The settlement is located on the top of the landslide area.
Almost half of the slope, which was washed away has been made into terraces as part of the mitigation project. It is to prevent further landslides during the summer.
Last year, the width of the Amochhu was narrowed by the landslide after which immediate dredging works were carried out as a part of the flood mitigation works.
“His Majesty The King has commanded us to work towards reducing risks from this slide. Accordingly, we started the project about three months ago and today, we have been able to reduce the risks. We hope that there will be no risks from this summer. We cannot say that there will be no risk at all as we cannot predict the weather but we have greatly reduced the risks,” said Karma Jurmi, Phuentshogling Dungpa.
The Nu 2.4 M ngultrum risk mitigation project was carried out with support from the Druk Holding and Investments.
The three-month project was completed recently.
The Phuentshogling Dungkhag is also exploring measures such as plantation to reduce landslide risks.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
