The residents of Jiwan-golia in Zhemgang raised concerns over water contamination by a crushing plant, located just above their area. Jiwan-golia is about a few kilometres away from Tingitbi town. Residents say they are worried about their health as the sand wash water from the crushing plant flows into their drinking water source. They added that although the crushing plant has intervened to divert the sand wash water, the water source still gets contaminated.
According to the residents, it has been about six months since contamination of the water began.
Following residents’ concerns, the crushing plant diverted the sand wash water to a nearby river, some months ago.
But residents said besides the intervention, the drinking water still remains contaminated, meaning the water is muddy.
They said the situation is worse during the summer season.
“We cannot consume this water. My family have been suffering from health problems like eye discharges and swelling of hand and foot. Thinking that it is not safe to consume the water, we have connected it to the mini-hydel’s tank. During summer, we cannot drink it as it contains mud and stones,” said Dorji, a resident.
“With the establishment of a stone crusher above our water source, our drinking water is contaminated. Many residents depend on that water. So, with no option, we have been drinking water from the river but it also got contaminated,” said Lila Bdr Luitel, another resident.
“The stone crusher was established above our water source and that has contaminated our drinking water. The water contains sand and dust. Without any other option, we have to drink that water. We do not have any filtration system. This is affecting our body,” said Pema Dorji, who is also a resident.
According to the manager of the stone quarry and crusher plant, the sand wash water did contaminate the drinking water but not anymore.
“The sand wash water entered their water source. After visiting the site, we have built a separate water tank and then diverted the dust water through a pipe and then to the river. After that, people did not say anything. Sometimes, when the tank is full, the water spills over and gets in the water source but when we visited the site, it was clean,” said Pema Dorji, the manager.
According to forestry officials, they are aware of the situation but they did not receive any complaints. However, they added that they will look into the matter soon.
The gewog and district administrations also did not receive any complaints from the residents either.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Tshering Zam
