Dantak Project has identified the two main causes for the landslide leading to roadblock in between Damchu-Chukha bypass road, just below Tshimasham town, Chukha. The new road was inaugurated on 18 July 2018.
An official from Dantak said they carried out a survey of the area, and found that since the new road was cut through the hills, therefore, the land is unstable and will remain unstable for two to three monsoon seasons. However, he said that Dantak is providing round the clock labour to manage the landslide area, and assure a free flow of traffic.
Meanwhile, he said that the rainfall is not only the factor causing landslides in the particular area.
He pointed out that the particular area remains saturated with water even during sunny days and soil in the area is loose. He said, “We came to know that the particular area (landslide area) remained wet due to the flow of drainage water from Tshimasham town. The waste and drainage water directly flow towards the landslide area, leaving the land wet all the time.” Dantak has since diverted the flow of drainage water to other areas.
“Now that this issue is addressed and monsoons are coming to an end, we hope there won’t be any major block. Earlier, whenever there is a major roadblock, we make sure to clear it up within 24 hours,” he added.
Dantak deployed machineries and labour at the site so for any emergency work, and even during normal times, the camp is engaged in clearing up any road side boulders.
He said, “Once the monsoon is over, we will be widening the road by 15 to 20 meters and will be doing all the protection work. For now, it is difficult for us to do any sort of work with rainfall and with the continue flow of traffic.”
“We are being active in such situation because we want to give free and smooth flow of traffic. If it is a minor roadblock, then we make sure to clear it up in 2 to 3 hours. However, when it comes to Damchu-Chukha bypass blocks, at the max, we take half a day to clear up the roadblock,” he added.
He said that they are thankful to RBP, Dzongkhag official and RSTA of Chukha for their continuous support.
Meanwhile, an official from Chukha said RBP is always there to monitor the roadblock, and to divert the motorists toward the old route. He said motorists travelling from Phuentsholing towards Thimphu face less challenges as compared to those travelling from Thimphu to Phuentsholing. It is often the case that most vehicles are left stranded when the roadblock occur during late evenings and night time.