Residents of Doleg, Doomshinggang and Chhutharsoom in Phuentshogpelri Gewog of Samtse are facing difficulties in crossing the Sukti River. The rising water level caused by dredging activities is disrupting daily life. Residents claim that the private dredging company has failed to manage its operations leading to hazardous conditions for students, travellers, and commuters.
Crossing the swollen Sukti River in Gomtu has become very difficult for residents of Doleg, Doomshinggang, and Chhutharsoom.
People can be seen carefully wading through strong currents. Some even have to use excavator to help them get across.
This situation is affecting daily life with schoolchildren having trouble getting to school and people facing challenges in accessing medical care when needed.
Lok Mani Gurung, a resident of Phuentshogpelri Gewog said “When we approved the dredging works, it was made clear that it shouldn’t affect the local community. But now, as the project nears completion, the company isn’t managing the overburden properly, causing the Sukti River to swell. If they regularly cleared the debris, the water level would remain manageable. But they’re not doing this, and now neither people nor vehicles can cross the river. Sometimes, even children are unable to attend school.”
KK Sunuwar, another resident said “The swelling river is causing us many problems, especially during the monsoon. Our children can’t reach school on time, and in emergencies, it’s extremely difficult to cross the road and get to the hospital.”
Frustrated by the situation, residents formally lodged a complaint with the Phuentshogpelri Gewog Administration recently. In response, the gewog administration organized a joint site visit with local officials, representatives from the dredging company, and community members. They addressed the concerns raised by residents and issued a final warning letter to the dredging company for repeatedly breaking the Dredging Rules and Regulations.
It was agreed that the dredging company must adhere to the original agreement which includes maintaining the river’s proper depth, depositing overburden at designated sites, and providing timely machinery support, particularly for schoolchildren and commuters during emergencies. Additionally, the company is responsible for ensuring that public transportation routes and roads remain accessible, especially during the monsoon.
The owner of the private dredging company said that despite the allegations, they have been adhering to all regulations and consistently supporting the community. He added that the company has been proactive in assisting villagers with road maintenance and addressing issues related to rising water levels.
Meanwhile, the gewog officials reassured the community that they would closely monitor the situation.
According to the gewog office, the dredging operations along the Sukti River began three years ago and will be completed this year.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Phub Gyem
