Bhutanese authorities pitch to ensure smooth flow of water to India

The flow of water from Bhutan to the Indian state of Assam continues with locals pitching in to make sure irrigation channels are maintained.

The irrigation channel is usually maintained by the farmers from Assam who cross the border for the work. However, due to the COVID-19 situation and restrictions on movement across the border, the irrigation channel was not being maintained, thus interrupting the supply at the crucial sowing time of Kharif crops. 

The Bhutanese officials and local communities then stepped in to maintain the irrigation Channels.

Namgay Tshering, the Bhutanese Finance Minister said in a Facebook post that authorities in his country "have been doing best to ensure the continuous supply of water to our farmer friends of India from Daifam-Udalguri, Samrang-Bhangtar, Motonga-BokaJulee and Samdrupjongkhar town - Patkikulee."

The finance minister's post began with "Neighbourhood first" and highlighted the "close friendship between the people of Bhutan & India."

Bhutanese side has been doing repairs in the channels to ensure smooth flow of water to Assam. The Bhutanese authorities-- District Administration, Subdivision Administration, Mayor Office, members of the COVID-19 task force, volunteers, members of local communities have been doing this for the last three months so that water supplies to the Indian state continue. 

Jomotshangkha dungkhag, the Bhutanese sub-district that borders Assam, maintains irrigation canals for Indian farmers. According to the local authorities, so far nine irrigation channels and two drinking water sources have been maintained which have been supplying adequate water to the Indian side.