𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒑𝒖𝒕

By KinzangLhamo

Balakhop, a village of about 90 households in Tashiling Maed under Semjong gewog, Tsirang, has overcome years of water scarcity and declining farmland through innovative nature-based solutions. Once known for steep slopes, poor soils, and drying water sources, the community now has reliable water, stabilized farmland, and improved agricultural productivity.

The transformation was made possible with the support of WWF Bhutan, the IKI Living Landscape Project, and Tarayana Foundation. Together, they helped protect the Devithang spring-shed, build a reservoir, and install a bamboo-and-charcoal filtration system. Agricultural land development, including terracing, soil stabilization, and improved farming practices, was also supported. These interventions secured drinking water, enhanced agricultural productivity, and reduced soil erosion.

“Due to climate change, there was a severe water shortage in Balakhop village. Over the years, the once huge Devithang spring gradually dried up, creating many problems for us,” said Deo Bahadur Mafchan, Tshogpa of Tashiling Maed. “With support from WWF Bhutan, the IKI Living Landscape Project, and Tarayana Foundation, we built a 50,000-liter reservoir and added a simple filtration system using charcoal, stones, and sand. Today, 90 households, along with the school and the Basic Health Unit, receive clean water and we no longer face shortages.”

The Tshogpa explained that the initiative went beyond water supply. Agricultural land development support helped address the challenges of farming on steep slopes. Of the 30 acres identified for development, 21 acres have been completed, making farming easier and more productive. “Earlier, grazing and farming on steep slopes was very difficult, but now we can use machines and cultivate more effectively. We have also planted 10 to 15 acres of Napier grass to stabilize the soil, which is benefiting us greatly,” he said.

Residents report significant improvements in daily life. Lal Bdr Balamtaki, a farmer in Balakhop, said, “Due to climate change there were lots of issues for us, but now with another source of water and proper maintenance, we are benefitting a lot. Earlier we used to face shortages for a week at a time, but now it is much more comfortable. During summer we do get a few blockages, but since the source is close, we can manage it well.” He added that agricultural production has already grown by almost 10 percent, and with two water sources- one nearby and one farther away- they can cultivate a wider variety of crops more reliably.

Jashoda, another resident, said the filtration system introduced last year has made water use more dependable. “Before, the water was about to dry up and it was a big issue for us. Later, the whole community came together to build a tank, and now the water does not dry up and comes on time. We have benefitted a lot, and since last year we have access to clean water without any issue.” She added that constant access to water has improved agricultural productivity and reduced the need to search for water during shortages.

Amber Bdr Mongar described how the changes have also improved household comfort, hygiene, and health. “We have benefitted a lot. Now we are able to drink safe water and have access to clean water through the filtration system. Our problems have drastically declined compared to before, and even our agricultural productivity has improved. With the new system, families no longer spend hours fetching water. Farming has become more reliable, and the steady supply has allowed us to grow a wider variety of crops, improve household hygiene, and reduce health risks.”

The success of the project was strengthened by community participation. Villagers formed a water user group to manage the spring-shed and ensure regular cleaning of water channels. This collective effort has sustained the system and encouraged ownership, enabling the community to quickly address minor blockages or damages.

Agricultural land development has also been transformative. By reshaping sloping land into terraces, stabilizing fields with Napier grass, and adopting vermin-composting, farmers reduced soil erosion and created conditions suitable for mechanized farming. “Earlier, our land was difficult to use, but now we can farm more effectively. Napier grass has helped protect the slopes, while vermin-composting is improving the soil. We can produce more, and our land is safer,” said the Tshogpa. These changes have allowed households to return to previously abandoned land, increasing food security and household income.

Balakhop’s experience shows that combining ecological restoration with community action can bring transformative change. Once burdened by water shortages and fragile farmland, the village now benefits from improved water security, stabilized slopes, higher agricultural productivity, and strengthened livelihoods. As climate change continues to pose risks to rural communities across the country, Balakhop emerges as a model of resilience and sustainable adaptation.