The ongoing widening and blacktopping works at the Tshelingor-Khothakpa highway in Pema Gatshel has become a nuisance for residents living nearby. People of Shumar Gewog living near the highway are annoyed with the dust pollution.
The water tankers used to sprinkle the roads broke down, which meant the roads were left dry and dusty.
Residents say for more than two weeks, life became very difficult.
“Our children face problems while walking in the dust. We would be thankful if they could spray water once in the morning and evening,” said Tshewang Dema, a resident.
“We are facing difficulty while growing vegetables due to the dust. Not only that, just a few hours after we clean our homes, the place is filled with dust again,” said Tempa Chojay, another resident.
With the onset of winter, the contractor brought in a water tanker last month. However, the machine malfunctioned and was under repair till a few days ago.
“We couldn’t sprinkle water because the tanker didn’t work. But we are watering the road now,” said Wangdi, Project Manager with the Department of Roads in Pema Gatshel.
However, the problem is expected to be eased because the laying of Granular Sub-base or GSB has started.
The road is expected to be blacktopped by mid of next year.
The 30-kilometre road widening and blacktopping began in 2019 costing more than NU 400 M.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
