Neten Dorji

Trashiyangtse—Local leaders in Trashiyangtse are calling for increased socio-economic benefits from the Khorlochhu Hydropower Project, pushing for more local engagement in the project.

A 58-year-old businessman, Ngawang Dorji, said that during the consultation meeting, the project had assured jobs to the local people. “The project must provide some kind of preference to local community while hiring people.”

While the project had also committed to favouring local residents in vehicle hiring, community members said that more needs to be done.

A Khamdang resident, Pema Dorji, said, “If the project could hire vehicles from locals first before considering outsiders, it would significantly benefit our community. Many people invest in buying vehicles to rent out to the projects.”

Local leaders suggest implementing a vehicle hiring policy that gives preference to residents. “For instance, if three vehicles from Trashiyangtse and Trashigang meet the same specifications, the one from Trashiyangtse should be chosen,” a local leader proposed.

Khamdang Gup Tashi Wangchuk emphasised the need for maximum socio-economic benefits from the hydropower project.

“In the long run, it will generate revenue for the country, but initially, it should also enhance the local economy. The people of Yangtse deserve some benefits from having this project in their vicinity,” he said.

He also pointed out that many from his gewog were laid off when the Khorlochu Hydropower Project closed, leaving over 30 individuals unemployed. “Instead of recruiting new employees, priority should be given to them,” he said.

Increased employment during the project’s construction phase could create market opportunities for locals to sell agricultural produce.

Toetsho Gup Dechen Wangdi urged authorities to establish a system for supplying local vegetables to project workers. “We have seen workers relying on Indian vendors instead of buying from our farmers,” he said. “Coordinated efforts are vital to ensure local agricultural demand is met by local sources as much as possible.”

Compensation

Residents also raised concerns about outdated land and property compensation rates.

A 59-year-old villager from Burbula, Sangay, said that seven households near his land have yet to receive compensation for land acquired for road construction.

“It has been over five years, and we are still waiting for compensation and replacement land,” he said. “Neither the project nor the dzongkhag has compensated us for the destruction of our fruit trees while widening the highway for the project.”

Another villager, 40-year-old Nyingkula, echoed these concerns, saying their irrigation channel and agricultural land were damaged during construction.  “We have requested the Department of Surface Transport to restore the irrigation channel, but they have not supported to us.”

He said that the current compensation rate for land and property acquisition needs to be updated according to the land tax. “We are paying tax on the land, but we have not received any compensation for its acquisition for road construction. This has always been an issue with affected people.”

Local residents hope the upcoming project will implement livelihood support programmes for affected communities. “If a resident loses land, their family members should be recruited by the project,” said Sangay Wangchuk from Tongzhang. “Although we are being compensated by the project for the land, it’s not the same as owning land.”

Infrastructure Development

Addressing the lack of coordination between local development and hydropower projects, residents call for better integration of their needs.

While acknowledging the significant contributions of hydropower projects, such as building schools and hospitals, local leaders said that there is no clear framework for identifying and addressing community needs.

Tongzhang Gup Ugyen Dorji said that among eight gewogs in Trashiyangtse, Tongzhang and Khamdang gewogs are expected to be the most affected by the Khorlochu Hydropower Project. “Instead of benefiting, my people are facing destruction,” he said.

“All planning and development activities have to be halted as we wait for projects to come,” he said. “While other gewogs are blacktopping the road for a second time, my people are still suffering from the bad road conditions.”

He said that people are frustrated waiting for the hydropower project to kickstart.

Meanwhile, people in Doksum town have constructed houses but many fear that the houses will be vacated after the project is completed. “The project should benefit people by renting the houses in the future too,” said a house owner, Sangay.

Despite trying to contact project officials for over two weeks, they have refused to respond to Kuensel queries.

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