The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Amochhu Temporary Shelter (ATS) in Phuentsholing continues to face significant risks from flooding and fire, with the government stating that there are no plans to renovate, rebuild or replace the existing structures.
Responding to a question during the 29th Meet-the-Press session held on 3 July 2026, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), Lyonpo Chandra Bdr Gurung said the shelters were originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic as a short-term emergency facility and were not intended for permanent settlement.
He clarified that no formal structural engineering assessment has been commissioned for the shelters. However, regular inspections by the local administration have consistently found that the structures have deteriorated over time due to ageing, weather exposure and repeated flooding.
Lyonpo highlighted that the settlement remains highly vulnerable to seasonal flooding and fire due to its location and the use of combustible materials in construction.
He said that these risks were clearly demonstrated in November 2024, when a major fire spread through the settlement and destroyed 96 temporary housing units.
Several adjoining units were also dismantled to prevent further spread of the fire, displacing many families.
Lyonpo said that the incident, along with recurring monsoon flooding, underscored the growing safety risks for continued occupation of the site.
The Amochhu Temporary Shelter is located within the Phuentsholing Township Development Project (PTDP) area, and the land belongs to Druk Holding and Investments (DHI).
Lyonpo said that since the site falls within the approved development plan, and as such, there are no plans to redevelop the existing shelters.
He added that the government, in coordination with DHI and relevant agencies, is closely monitoring the situation, issuing safety advisories, conducting awareness programmes, and providing emergency assistance where necessary.
Following recent flooding, 46 families whose shelters were rendered uninhabitable were relocated to a temporary relief facility.
Lyonpo said that authorities continue to engage with remaining occupants while taking measures to reduce immediate risks during the ongoing monsoon season.
He said that since the shelters were originally intended as temporary accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic, some residents have continued to live there due to socio-economic circumstances.
Since 2024, multiple notices, including a final three-month notice and subsequent reminders, have been issued as part of a gradual and consultative approach.
Lyonpo reiterated that public safety remains the government’s primary concern, particularly given the increasing exposure of the settlement to flooding and fire hazards.
