𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

…𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔

By Lhendup Wangmo

Barshong Chiwog in Naro Gewog under Thimphu Dzongkhag has achieved a major milestone in water security with the completion of comprehensive water source and spring management interventions under the project “Protecting Fragile Mountain Systems and Enhancing Sustainable Livelihoods.”

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, implemented by UNDP, has completed a community-led sustainable water management system by integrating Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge with modern technologies. The project involved the construction of a 23,400-litre reservoir tank, renovation of a 7,000-litre tank, and installation of three 600-litre water filtration units. Four kilometers of drinking water pipelines were laid, and infrastructure was developed for domestic and wild animals, including wooden troughs and storage tanks. The spring area was fenced over 2.5 acres to protect water sources, and an integrated water harvesting and storage system using nature-based solutions was implemented.

Community involvement and collaboration with the Gewog administration have been central to ensuring long-term water security, benefiting both residents and livestock while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Gyem Tshering, Gup of Naro Gewog, said that constructing the reservoir tank presented several challenges. “We had to work hard, but we did not get enough workers, and it was quite difficult to find construction materials. Being highlanders, we had to travel to the town to bring in materials, which was one of the main challenges we faced,” he shared.

Despite the difficulties, he said the reservoir has already brought benefits. “From this reservoir tank, 49 households are being benefited. Earlier, during winter, the water source would freeze into solid ice, making it very difficult for us. But now, with modern innovation, I believe it will benefit us 100 percent,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for royal support. “His Majesty has granted us a 50 decimal plot where everyone in Barshong Chiwog resides. That is the reason we decided to build the reservoir tank here. For the other chiwogs in Naro Gewog, there is no water problem as such, but for Barshong, this was very important,” the Gup added.

Chador Namgay, Gewog Tshogpa of Barshong Chiwog, explained, “The people of Naro Gewog reside in Barshong, so basically, this project benefits Naro villagers. In total, around 90 households are receiving water through this system. During the construction, I was present and saw the challenges as well as the progress firsthand.”
He added, “From Tarayana, we received two big tanks, one 23,400-litre cement reservoir tank and three wooden tanks. We even have a filtration system inside the main tank to ensure safe drinking water. This is something we never had before.”

Speaking about community involvement, he said, “Every household from Naro Gewog participated in building this reservoir. Each family contributed 15 days of labor. It was not easy, but the unity of the community made it possible. This project has shown us that when we come together, we can achieve something that benefits everyone.”
Looking ahead, Chador Namgay said the impact will be long-lasting. “The people of Naro Gewog will now have access to clean and reliable water throughout the year. In the past, water shortage and freezing pipes made life extremely difficult, especially in winter. With this reservoir, households will no longer need to spend hours fetching and storing water, and livestock will also have a steady supply. This will save time and energy for families, allowing them to focus more on farming, education, and other important work. For us highlanders, this is more than just water, it is a lifeline for our daily living and future generations.”

Nama Wangchu, a villager from Barshong Chiwog, said, “Until now, we always faced water problems during the winter season. Living in the highlands, the pipe water would freeze into solid ice, and it was very difficult for us to manage. We had to rely on traditional methods like fetching water from streams and storing it in containers. Sometimes, we even had to melt ice for drinking and cooking. It was tiring and especially hard for the elderly and children.”

He added, “Thanks to Tarayana and the project partners for supporting us with this innovation, the reservoir tank. They have assured us that with this system, the water will not freeze, and we are hopeful it will finally solve our problems. This is a big change for us. Now we don’t have to wake up at dawn to fetch water before it turns to ice. Our cattle will also benefit, and we can spend more time on farming and other work instead of carrying water every day.”

Sangay Wangdi, a villager of Naro Gewog, said they worked tirelessly alongside the project team to make this possible. “One thing I cannot say for sure yet is how it will perform in winter, since it is not the cold season right now. In the past, my biggest challenge was that the pipes froze and turned to solid ice. From what I know, I am confident this system will benefit us. They have assured us that the reservoir itself will not freeze, though I am still unsure how the pipes will hold up in extreme cold. But I am 100 percent sure this new innovation will help the people of Naro Gewog in terms of water security. For us, even having water that flows consistently is a huge relief compared to what we have endured before.”

Jigme Dorji, a villager of Naro Gewog, said, “For many years, water has been our biggest problem, especially in winter. With this reservoir system, I feel we are moving toward a more modern way of living. It is not just about having water to drink; it means better sanitation, healthier families, and even more time for work and education instead of spending hours fetching water.”

He added, “I believe this project is a long-term solution. With the filtration system inside the tank, we can finally say that our families are drinking safe water. It also gives us confidence that our children will grow up without facing the same hardships we went through. For me, this feels like a step forward in improving the quality of life for everyone in Naro.”