In an effort to make sand available, accessible and affordable throughout the year in the western and central Region, the Natural Resource Development Corporation (NRDCL) has deployed two more sand dredging machines at Punatshangchu basin on April 10.

One machine is placed at Rinchengang in addition to the existing four and the other one is placed in Tshokona site, Wangduephodrang. Each machine is equipped with an operator and three crew members.

Further, the NRDCL has stocked the replaceable parts at the site in a workshop to reduce the downtime.

To provide proper hands on training to the crew members and enhance the production during the lean season, the company has hired four member crew from the supplier of dredging machine in India. The Indian crew will assist the Bhutanese crew members to enhance their skills in maintenance and operation.

The dredging machine consists of diesel engine that generates power to suck sand from the riverbed through the dredged head by means of a pump. A press release from the NRDCL stated that the machine does not produce any waste and is environment friendly.

“Sand is totally washed and free from any other debris and pebbles with 100 percent recovery,” it stated. NRDCL claims that the sand collected through this mechanism is much superior than sand collected through other means as it does not contain any mud, silt and mica.

“Such dredging provided in the upstream will help reduce sedimentation in hydro power projects downstream which ultimately has larger socio economic impact for the country,” the press release stated.

Staff Reporter