Polluted wastewater from a stone quarry and aggregate processing unit at lower Phosang of Nangkor Gewog in Zhemgang flows into a nearby stream and Mangde Chhu. This has left the residents worried. They say a measure must to taken to prevent the contamination of a nearby stream and Mangde Chhu.
The stone quarry and aggregate processing unit when washing sands and gravel, releases polluted waste water.
The water contaminated with sediments and other pollutants is seen flowing directly into the Dakpel stream and then ultimately into Mangde Chhu.
The residents say it has been about six months since the unit started disposing of wastewater excessively into the river and say the unit should implement proper waste management practices. People fear that wastewater affects the aquatic life that thrives in Mangde Chhu.
Rinzin Dorji, a resident said, “The water flowing into the main river is murky and polluted, affecting the aquatic life and the overall ecosystem. I don’t know how it happened despite the stringent environmental regulations.”
“These days, we see the wastewater discharged from a stone quarry site above the area flowing into the Mangde Chhu. I don’t think the authorities concerned are monitoring properly. If we wash our cars near streams, they impose fines but here, no one takes action. I think there are two rules,” said Pema, a resident.
Rinchen Dorji, also a resident said, “I think the district administration should look into the matter and see if the stone quarry is violating the environmental rules and regulations or not.”
Apart from polluting the river, the wastewater has affected residents living along the Dakpel stream in Tingtibi. They use the stream to wash their clothes. But not anymore.
In the meantime, the authority concerned has asked the quarry management to construct a sedimentation tank after they found BBS was running a story on the issue. The sedimentation tank, according to the officials, will allow floating solids to settle out of wastewater and provide some degree of purification.
The stone quarry is said to be for the ongoing 54 MW Burgangchhu Hydro Power Project at Buli and will be shut by 2026.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
