Many water sources, but no water

Due to scanty water-supply Tsenkhar community has resorted to periodical distribution of water for paddy cultivation

Although the gewog’s staple crop is maize, majority of the gewog residents have cultivated paddy for self-consumption and commercial purposes.

Gup Tsheten Wangdi said the water was distributed time-to-time through three different water sources. He said that water from Khaybachhu is distributed to Domkhar and Umling chiwog.

Water from Barchhu is distributed to a larger part of the gewog where most of the households practice paddy cultivation.

“From 435 households, few of them own around three acres of land for paddy cultivation,” the Gup said.

During the 10th Five Year Plan the gewog maintained three water sources in Denshing gang till Thrinthang, Menstang till Donkha, Outsho and many other places.

Despite the many water sources, which are maintained regularly the community faces water shortage. The gewog residents said it is because of less rainfall this year.

(Thinley Wangmo)

 

Absence of road deprives villagers of income

In the absence of a road, the condition of the villagers in Athang might become worse since there are no other ways to generate income.

Though the gewog has potential to grow all sorts of crops and other vegetables, it becomes impossible for the villagers to take it to the nearest market place.

“There is a road but devoid of a bridge, the road is useless. If Punatsangchhu 3 comes up then, it might benefit us,” said Athang Gup Khandu.

There is also a possibility of growing potato before July, and most importantly Bhutanese in general will not have to depend on vegetables imported from India.

The Gup said if there is a road, people’s income might go-up as people in Phobjikha located at a higher altitude are able to do better business given the availability of road-connectivity.

(Dawa Zangmo)

 

Talo Budget proposal for 11th Plan

Talo Gewog has completed the budget proposal for 11th Five Year Plan however; the government has not specified the budget-ceiling.

Major farm roads’ maintenance, new renewable water sources, irrigation channels, spring water and renovation of temples are the important proposals for the 11th Five year Plan

“Maintenance of major farm roads is the top-most priority since road plays a crucial role in connecting the people as well as improving the livelihood of the villagers,” said Gewog Administration Officer Tshewang Dorji.

Laptshakha which has 80 households comprising a population of 200 faces serious water shortage; as a result the Gewog Tshogde has decided to prioritize the renewable water source in the proposal.

(Dawa Zangmo)