May 26: In Wangduephodrang, the people of Phangyul, Thetsho and Rubesa geogs have been facing acute drinking water shortage.

Our reporter Pema Lhaden who visted some of the villages say that people are also not able to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a result of this.

In Phangyul, Thedtsho and Rubesa geogs, drinking water is scarce. Farmers there said they have been suffering from acute drinking water shortage for over a decade now.

Everyday, villagers from Thedtso geog walk down to the Punatsangchu to fetch water under the sweltering heat. During the monsoon, they collect the rain water. Villagers said they have no choice but to depend on the river water and the monsoon rain.

Residents said it is difficult to maintain health and hygiene without adequate water. They said it is even difficult to keep the house clean. They say they can fetch only enough water for drinking and cooking from the Punatsangchu.

Ugyen Dorji, the Tshogpa of Thedtsho geog, said residents in the three geogs of have been facing water scarcity for many years.

Thedtsho Gup Namgay Wangchuk said they do not have any water source nearby. He added they have raised the issue with the Wangdue Dzongkhag Administration.