Owing to the risks of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, residents of Thangza_Toenchoe Chiwog at Lunana in Gasa are being relocated. The relocation is being done in accordance with the recommendation of the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology. The chiwog is located a few kilometres downstream of the Thorthormi and Rabstreng lakes.
Following the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology’s recommendation after the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood incidents in recent years, the district and gewog administrations in consultation with relevant stakeholders and residents decided to relocate to a safer place.
More than 80 houses in the chiwog are being relocated to Damthangkha, Bayza-Gangjuk and Dungbiteng, which is one and a half kilometres away from the previous area.
People began to move to their new places by the mid of last month.
According to Lunana Gup, the relocation area is state land and is on a higher elevation.
For now, people have pitched their tents. Drinking water supply works and plot demarcation in the new area are underway. However, the district administration has yet to receive the approval from the National Land Commission.
For the time being, a plot of 10 decimals each is being allocated to set up their temporary sheds.
“The distance between Thangza village and the lake is only about two and a half kilometres. And Toenchoe village is about three kilometres downstream from the lake. So, there is a high risk for these two villages since the lakes are located above these places. If the GLOF happens, these villages will be submerged before alarm machines can alert,” said Kaka, Lunana Gup.
According to the Gasa District Administration, it may take some time to construct houses and other facilities in the relocated area.
However, they said the houses in the previous villages will not be dismantled as residents can live in those houses during harsh weather in winter.
“I have informed the people according to the decision of the district administration. Accordingly, these days, our people are shifting to safer places at Damthangkha, Bayza-Gangjuk and Dungbiteng by making their temporary shed,” said Lunana Gup.
The district administration proposed around Nu 1.3 M to the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management for the first phase to establish the temporary settlement such as procurement of tarpaulin and sanitary facilities.
Currently, around Nu 800,000 is being spent for drinking water supply in the relocated places and transportation of materials by helicopter.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
