February 9: The National Environment Commission has suspended the construction of the controversial Dremitse-Narang farm road in Monggar for the second time following a complaint letter from the Dozam Community forest Management group.

The construction was suspended once last year after the members of the community forest complained that the construction is damaging trees in the community forest.

The construction of the12 kilometer Dramitse-Narang farm road began in July last year. Shortly after the work began, the construction was suspended following complaints from the members of the community forest.

The road runs through the community forest. However the members of the community forest agreed to allow the construction. On the part of those who are responsible for the farm road construction, it was agreed that measures would be taken to minimize the damage to the forest. So far only about 50 metres of road has been constructed.

The construction has now been stopped for the second time. In their complaint to the National Environment Commission, the management of the Dozam Community Forest said the farm road is not being constructed in an environment friendly manner.

The Secretary of the Dozam Community Forest Karma Wangchuk said,"despite the agreement, boulders, soil and stones were dumped in the forest below the road destroying many trees." He said the trees were planted eleven years ago to prevent landslides and soil erosion.

The village of Bikhar lies below the area where the farm road is being constructed. A villager said their village is suffering from the consequences of soil erosion every year. He said the villagers are also concerned about the safety of the school children who have to pass by the area.

However, the Dremitse Gup Yeshi Wangdi said no severe damage has been caused to the environment. "The agreement was that boulders, stones and soil from the Community Forest would be dumped at a site in Gamchanglu in Zangkhar,"said the Gup. The Gup said the construction of the farm road was suspended not due to complaints from the community forest management but because the NEC clearance has not been renewed.

The farm road is expected to benefit close to 100 households in the two villages of Shaphangma and Bazor village of Dremitse Gewog.