𝐑𝐞-𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐮 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 60 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔

By Kezang Choden

The re-engineering of the Budichhu irrigation channel in Tsangkha Gewog, under Dagana Dzongkhag, officially began with a traditional lhabsang ceremony held at the project site on June 27th. It is part of the larger initiative, ‘Adaptation to Climate-Induced Water Stresses through Landscape Management in Bhutan.’ This project aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on water resources through sustainable landscape management practices.

The upgraded Budichhu irrigation channel is set to directly benefit 60 households in the upper Petekha, Tisgarey, and Zinchalla areas. This development is expected to enhance water security and agricultural productivity, significantly contributing to the livelihoods of local communities. Residents and local authorities expressed optimism about the positive outcomes from this vital infrastructure project.

Neuli Tshering, the Gup of Tsangkha Gewog, announced the commencement of a re-engineering project for the water irrigation channel serving three key villages in the region. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and provide better irrigation facilities for local farmers. “This project will give our farmers more opportunities to focus on their agricultural activities, ensuring a stable and reliable water supply,” said Tshering.

He noted, “The existing channel, though functional, had several limitations hindering optimal water distribution. The re-engineering efforts are designed to address these issues, ensuring efficient water management and supporting the local economy by boosting agricultural output.” The local government is committed to seeing the project through to completion, providing necessary resources and support for its success.

The project manager of Dhamdhen Construction Private Limited said that the re-engineering of the water irrigation channel in Tsangkha Gewog is slated for completion within one year. This project aims to rebuild the old, damaged irrigation infrastructure, providing improved water management for three key villages. However, he cautioned that unfavorable weather conditions could pose challenges and potentially delay the work. Despite these concerns, the team is committed to overcoming any obstacles to ensure timely completion.

Bhim Raj Thapa, a resident of Zinchalla village, expressed confidence about the new water irrigation project underway in Tsangkha Gewog. Despite the presence of an old irrigation channel, farmers in the village have struggled with inadequate water supply, leading to dried crops and poor harvests. “Although there was an old water irrigation channel, we were not able to get enough water to sustain our agricultural work,” said Thapa.

“Due to the shortage of water, our crops have dried up before harvest time,” he added. For the farmers of Zinchalla and surrounding villages, the improved water infrastructure is seen as vital development that will enhance their livelihoods and ensure a more prosperous future for the community.

Hasta Bdr Pokwal, a resident of Tisgarey, shared his hopes for increased agricultural activities and improved income with the upcoming completion of the new water irrigation channel. “We hope to engage in many agricultural activities and sell our products to earn a good income. With the new water irrigation channel, we can focus more on cash crops.” The ability to grow cash crops will not only increase productivity but also provide a significant boost to the local economy. The improved irrigation system is set to play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural output, supporting local farmers, and fostering economic growth in Tsangkha Gewog.

The project is awarded to Dhamdhen Construction Private Limited, which is valued at Nu.23,786,454 (Twenty Three Million Seven Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Four).