Flash floods and landslides are becoming a concern in eastern Dzongkhags especially in Tashigang.

As our Kanglung correspondent Tenzin Namgay reports a large number of farmlands, houses and irrigation canals have been destroyed by landslides and flash floods in the recent years.

The problem of flash floods and landslides in the eastern Dzongkhags especially Tashigang have intensified over the years.

Records maintained by the Agriculture Ministry show that in 2004, nine lives were lost and 29 houses completely destroyed by floods and landslides.

It also washed away 664 acres of arable land, 39 irrigation canals and 22 bridges in the east.

Among the six eastern Dzongkags, Tashigang was the worst affected in 2004 floods. Some 5000 acres of land were damaged in the Dzongkhag since 2004.

Besides destroying farmlands, houses and properties, flash floods and landslides have also made many areas risky for human settlement.

Our reporter added that the Dzongkhag administration is taking initiatives to resettle the affected families and those living in landslide and flash flood prone areas.

So far some 700 households with a population of over 2,000 have been resettled in other dzongkhags.

Those affected by landslides in Thrimshing and Lumang gewogs were also sent for resettlement this year.

Our reporter says despite a series of land management campaign conducted by the Agriculture ministry, soil erosion continues to be problem in Tashigang.

Soil erosion has resulted in narrow valley and ravines in many areas in the Dzongkhag.

Forestry officials said the nature of the terrain in the region is fragile making it prone to erosion. Source: BBS