Rajesh Rai  | Samtse

An irrigation scheme with an artificial lake worth Nu 36.8 million (M) at Norbugang, Samtse will play a key role in bringing agricultural development in the gewog.

Located at a slightly higher elevation of Bhimtar village, the irrigation scheme is called Tharaykhola Irrigation Scheme. It is a Food Security and Agriculture Productive Project (FSAPP) under the agriculture ministry, funded by the World Bank.

The project that started in July 2018 was completed recently. The scheme will benefit about 350 households in the gewog.

A resident of Norbugang, Binod Biswa, said the artificial lake was one of the biggest achievements the gewog had seen.

“We will have no irrigation problem now on,” he said, adding that the farming community would immensely benefit.

Binod Biswa said that the most important aspect of the lake would be its positive impact on the drying spring waters in areas close to it. This would also solve drinking water problem forever, he said.

Basu Dev Chhetri said that the artificial lake brought hope to many farmers in his village.

“It is also a beautiful place and many people visit,” he said, adding that the artificial lake could be a tourist destination if properly managed.

Norbugang Gup Kuenga said the project was yet to benefit the people.

“We are yet to distribute water to the villagers from the lake,” he said. “Everything is done from the ministry.”

He, however, said that the lake was just for irrigation purposes and not drinking.

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