Government cites concern of fire and flood hazards wreaking similar havocs in future
DAWA ZANGMO |Thimphu
The Government has reaffirmed that the Amochhu Temporary Shelter (ATS) in Phuentsholing was established solely as an emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic and was never intended to become a permanent residential settlement.
Citing growing public safety concerns arising from structural deterioration, recurring floods and fire hazards, authorities have stated that there are no plans to renovate or reconstruct the existing shelters.
During the 29th meet the press, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transportation (MoIT) Chandra Bdr Gurung said the temporary settlement was constructed as a short-term solution during the pandemic to accommodate people in urgent need of shelter.
As the structures were intended for temporary use and are located within the Phuentsholing Township Development Project (PTDP) area, no formal structural engineering assessment was commissioned.
Instead, the condition of the shelters has been monitored through regular inspections carried out by the local administration.
According to Lyonpo Chandra Bdr Gurung, these inspections have consistently found that the temporary structures have deteriorated considerably over time due to prolonged exposure to weather conditions, ageing and repeated flooding.
The settlement also remains highly susceptible to seasonal flooding because of its location and faces an elevated fire risk due to the combustible materials used in constructing the shelters.
“The shelters have deteriorated significantly over time because of age, exposure to weather and repeated flooding. Their location makes them vulnerable to seasonal floods, while the materials used for construction also increase the risk of fire,” the minister said.
The minister noted that these concerns were clearly demonstrated during a major fire that broke out in November 2024, which spread rapidly through the settlement and destroyed 96 temporary housing units.
Several adjoining units were also dismantled to prevent the fire from spreading further.
The incident displaced numerous families and, according to the minister, underscored the vulnerability of the settlement to fire emergencies.
Together with recurring monsoon floods, the fire has reinforced the Government’s position that continued occupation of the temporary shelters presents increasing risks to residents’ safety.
“The fire incident and recurring flooding have reinforced our concern that continued occupation of the settlement poses increasing safety risks,” the minister said.
The minister emphasised that the ATS was designed as an emergency facility rather than a permanent housing solution.
The land on which the settlement stands belongs to Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) and falls within the approved PTDP.
“As the land belongs to DHI and forms part of the approved township development project, there are no plans to renovate, rebuild or replace the existing temporary shelters,” the minister said.
He added that the Government will continue working closely with DHI and relevant agencies in implementing the approved development plan while ensuring that public safety remains the foremost consideration.
According to the minister, the Government, in collaboration with DHI and other relevant agencies, continues to closely monitor the situation at the settlement.
Authorities are issuing public safety advisories, conducting awareness programmes and providing emergency assistance whenever necessary to support affected residents.
The minister also provided an update on the response to the recent flooding, stating that 46 families whose shelters had become uninhabitable were relocated to a temporary relief shelter.
Engagement with the remaining occupants is ongoing while authorities continue implementing measures to minimize immediate safety risks during the monsoon season.
“Following the recent flooding, 46 affected families have been relocated to a temporary relief shelter. We continue to engage with the remaining occupants while taking necessary measures to reduce immediate safety risks,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the continued occupation of the settlement, the minister explained that although the facility was created as an emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic, some residents remained in the shelters because of personal and socio-economic circumstances.
Recognising these challenges, the Government adopted what the minister described as a gradual and consultative approach instead of immediate eviction.
He said that since 2024, authorities have issued multiple notices to residents, including a final three-month notice followed by additional reminders, while maintaining continuous dialogue with occupants throughout the process.
“Since 2024, we have issued multiple notices, including a final three-month notice and subsequent reminders, while continuing dialogue with the residents. Throughout the process, public safety has remained the Government’s foremost priority, particularly in view of the increasing risks posed by flooding and fire,” the minister said.
The minister reiterated that the Government’s approach has sought to balance the socio-economic circumstances faced by residents with the responsibility to safeguard lives from growing environmental and safety hazards.
He maintained that while the Government acknowledges the difficulties experienced by families residing in the temporary settlement, the increasing risks associated with ageing infrastructure, recurrent flooding and fire necessitate continued efforts to reduce exposure to danger.
The Government, he added, will continue coordinating with DHI and relevant agencies to implement the approved plans for the area while ensuring that emergency support, public awareness initiatives and safety measures remain in place for affected residents during the transition.
The minister reaffirmed that public safety will continue to guide all decisions concerning the Amochhu Temporary Shelter as authorities work toward implementing the long-term development plans for the Phuentsholing Township Development Project.
