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1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

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These two projects have given the Ministry invaluable experiences. Scientists and<br />

experts involved in the project have assessed the possible change of river course<br />

and feasibility of constructing embankments. Their findings revealed that the<br />

embankments would be beneficial only for short duration, and that there is no<br />

way they will last long. Nevertheless, the government still considers programmes<br />

for constructing embankments and protecting lands in Sarpang Dzongkhag. The<br />

Taklai irrigation channel which has been destroyed by the Ngolops has been<br />

renovated in 1997 at a cost of Nu.8,3,44,000. But it was again destroyed by heavy<br />

flash flood last year, and has to be renovated once again at a cost of 4,1,50,000.<br />

As commanded by His Majesty the King, an embankment has been constructed at<br />

Lhamoi Zingkha at a cost of Nu.1,2,60,000. Although this was not for irrigation<br />

purposes, it would protect the town from flash flood risks. The Hon’ble Minister<br />

said that in order to protect lands in Sarpang Dzongkhag, the Ministry will make<br />

every efforts to implement programmes of different geogs that were included in<br />

the 8th plan. He reminded that it is important for the people to refrain from<br />

careless exploitation of the environment in order to prevent occurrences of such<br />

disasters, and that it is vital to give preference to viable future alternatives than<br />

present short-term gains.<br />

The Chhukha Chimi and a Royal Advisory Councillor said that although it is<br />

essential to construct embankments to protect arable lands from flash floods, the<br />

lands in Sarpang Dzongkhag is not stable. There will be many damages done by<br />

flash floods during heavy rainfall. Hence, even if embankments were built, its<br />

benefits would be very short-lived and would not last for even a year or two. All<br />

the expenditure would go to waste. However, it would be of some relief if the<br />

government could provide financial support to enable people to clean the river<br />

source and debris in its course with machines and equipment. Since there are<br />

problems of flash flood in other areas stretching from Samdrup Jongkhar to<br />

Samtse, it would be ideal to establish a National Flashflood Prevention<br />

Committee to formulate land protection strategies.<br />

54

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