The sudden rise in the water level of Punatshangchhu has adversely affected sand extraction works in Wangdue Phodrang. The sand supply has reduced by almost half.
From almost 60 truckloads of sand in a day, the supply has come down to about 30 truckloads. Apart from the sudden rise in water level, the extraction slumped after one of the dredging machines broke down recently.
Consequently, it has become a waiting game for the truck drivers who have come to collect sand at the site. They said they have to wait for four to six days before their turn.
“I have been waiting for sand since 31st of August. I am expecting to load sand today. It is a huge loss for us when we have to wait for so many days,” said a trucker, Kaka.
Another Truck Driver, Nar Bahadhur Biswa said waiting gives them problem as the truck owners give them expenses to last for only a day or two.
The Natural Resources Development Corporation’s Regional Manager, Rinchen said the dredging machine was hired to Druk Green Power Corporation as the situation in the pondage of Basochhu Hydro Power Plant needed immediate attention.
He said although the machine was hired for only a week, it had been three weeks as the work at the hydropower plant is still incomplete.
“When water level increases and reaches danger level it becomes difficult for our friends to operate the sand dredging machine. It is also important for us to weigh the importance of power project and sand supply.”
Rinchen added the drivers have informed about the limited supply and have been asked to refrain from rushing to the site.
According to NRDCL, the demand for sand is increasing at a huge rate. This year alone NRDCL supplied additional 2,700 truckloads of sand more as compared to last year.
The corporation plans to deploy additional dredging machines to ease the sand demand in the country.
Presently, of the five sand extraction sites only one is operational. The other sites will start its work by mid November.
