The community-driven project enhances sanitation, agricultural growth, and improved life, ensuring long-term sustainability and easing water-related challenges

KP Sharma

Chukha—Rangaytung village in Samphelling gewog, Chukha, once enjoyed an abundant water supply, a luxury many residents enjoyed for years

However, in recent years, that story has changed, with the community facing increasing challenges in meeting their water needs.

Unlike many regions where climate change plays a central role in water shortages, Rangaytung’s plight was caused by rapid population growth and increased demand from expanding industries, overstretching the capacity of its infrastructure.

Rising demand amid deteriorating infrastructure

A few years ago, Rangaytung was a sparsely populated village. The small number of households relied on a nearby water source that was sufficient to meet their basic needs. However, with the growth of industries and the expansion of other facilities in the area, the population of Rangaytung increased significantly.

The once-small village is now home to more than 80 households. As a result, the demand for water has surged, and the old water source, once adequate, now struggles to keep up.

In addition to the residential needs, the village hosts essential public services, including a school, a primary health centre, and a Hindu temple.

With the increasing population and water demands, water scarcity became an urgent issue that needed to be addressed.

For several years, the gewog managed to supply water to the village, but the growing needs of the community, coupled with deteriorating infrastructure, eventually outstripped the water available at the old water source.

One of the main challenges was the frequent bursting of pipes along the water supply line, especially where the pipe passed through a gorge.

According to locals, the regular bursts disrupted water flow, with residents at the hilltop being the most affected.

SNVand MoIT water project brings hope

To resolve the issue, the gewog, with financial support from SNV and technical support from MoIT, Drungkhag Administration, Phuentsholing, and Department of Water, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources began work on a new water scheme. The project involved constructing a seven-kilometre pipeline with a strengthened water source. The plan was to divert water from another source into the old water source to supplement the existing supply.

The chairperson of the Water User Association (WUA) in Rangaytung, Keshor Rai, explained that the community now expects to have a reliable water supply following the completion of the project.

The new infrastructure, including improved water intake structures and pipelines, is designed to address past challenges.

With the completion of the new augmentation water source, and the replacement of the old pipe at the gorge with the new pipe, the beneficiary community is expected to get adequate water.

Keshor Rai, who was appointed as the WUA chairperson by the community during the water safety plan despite not having formal training, gained the villagers’ confidence through his involvement in carpentry work. He has been actively engaged in the water project, overseeing the construction of the new water supply scheme.

“Villagers were tired of the frequent pipe bursts at multiple locations,” he said, explaining that he suspected poor-quality pipes were to blame for the problem.

“When the water flowed with high pressure, there would be bursts at lower levels of the hill, disconnecting the residents at the hilltop.”

He added that the new pipeline uses better-quality pipes, and the laying of the system was done with technical support from the dungkhag engineering sector, which closely monitored the construction.

Through proper design, the required components like air release valves (ARV), washouts and brake pressure tanks have been installed at the required locations to ensure continued flow of the water. Due considerations for climate impact have been made such as construction of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) intake structure to withstand the structure against unforeseen flood damage, burying the pipe underground and providing cover to the pipe in the exposed areas to avoid damage from falling boulders. The pipes have been suspended in the landslide prone areas to ensure that there is no damage by the landslide.

Collaboration for sustainable management

The project aims not only to ensure a reliable water supply for the village but also to allow modern homes being built in Rangaytung to install water facilities in their households, provided they have proper storage tanks.

The impact of the new water scheme is already being felt by locals, with improvements in sanitation and hygiene.

“We work in the field, and when we do not have water at home, the health concerns are imminent,” one local said, highlighting the importance of water for daily life and health.

Another major benefit of the water project is its potential to boost agricultural production. Chairman Rai mentioned that if households have enough water, they will be allowed to use it for vegetable cultivation.

However, he stressed that this should not come at the expense of other households’ access to water.

To manage the distribution, the village agreed that water should be used for irrigation during the night, ensuring equitable access for all.

In the past, water caretakers were responsible for maintaining the water system, but with the new project, the entire village has come together to share the responsibility.

The community has agreed that everyone will be involved in water-related tasks, ensuring better upkeep of the infrastructure.

Santa Man Rai, one of the water caretakers who underwent training with SNV Bhutan and MoIT has been working on the project for about six months.

He explained how the training had enriched his skills, which were previously limited to basic maintenance tasks. “Before, I had never done any work related to pipe fitting, but now I do them well,” he said.

Santa Man’s training has also enabled him to help his fellow villagers with water-related issues.

“Sometimes, I have to travel continuously to the source when there is heavy rainfall, especially during the summer,” he added, ensuring his dedication to ensuring the water supply runs smoothly.

Samphelling gup, Ram Kumar Rai, explained why Rangaytung was selected for the SNV Bhutan project.

Initially, he requested Chapcha Gewog to prioritise his gewog, considering the gravity of the water issue.

SNV Bhutan then asked him to propose top five water schemes for the project with one most critical water scheme prioritised for intervention, and Rangaytung was chosen from these options.

The decision was based on the village’s population and the presence of public services, which made the water scarcity particularly pressing. “The school provides one meal that has to be cooked, and water is necessary for the welfare of the teachers and students.”

The gup added that, before the new water system, the lack of water had created significant pressure on the gewog. “Sometimes the students were forced to pack their lunch and take it to school because there used to be no water,” he said.

However, with the new project completed, he now sees tanks overflowing and the pressure on the community easing.

Local resident Phuntsho Wangdi, 44, shared that the approval of the new water scheme was the result of persistent requests and follow-ups to the gewog. “We are happy our grievances have been finally addressed.”

This story is produced in collaboration with SNV Bhutan with support from the Royal Government of Bhutan, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government, and the Water for Women Fund.