May 5: The feeder road from Mukazor to Tshogonpa in Pemagatsel has benefited the people of these two villages immensely. But in recent years, a stone quarry has been established at Mukazor above the road. Villagers say falling boulders and soil have made travel along the feeder road risky.

The seven kilometer feeder road was constructed in 2004. The villagers use the road to travel to Pemagatshel and Trashigang, transport goods, and take their agriculture produce to the market.

Villagers say the stone quarry and logging at Mukazor has made travel risky. In March, a taxi filled with passengers on their way to Tashiagng was hit by falling boulders. The villagers have lodged a formal complaint with the forest range office in Pemagatshel.

Logging in the area has been stopped following the complaint but the extraction of stone continues. The stone quarry and logging site was identified by the Department of Forest and the Department of Roads.

Tshering Phuntsho a Junior Engineer with the Department of Roads said the road is not only narrow, it is also steep. He said the extraction of stone was allowed because it would help widen the feeder road. He said they have also warned the private company which is operating the stone quarry to ensure the safety of travelers.

According to the Wamrong range office, it has also bee agreed that the cost of any damage to the road will be borne by the company. The feeder road benefits more than 1,000 households of Nanong geog in Pemagatshel and Lumang geog in Trashigang.