Purpose
Improve the water supply for communities in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary by diversifying the communities’ water source and improving water supply infrastructure.
Climate Impacts
The following impacts were reported by community members in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary:
• Decreased availability of freshwater leading to water shortages
• Increased flooding from more severe monsoons
• Loss of crops due to water scarcity and decreased rainfall
Activities
Alternate water source selection
Community members and local leaders met to discuss and identify an alternate and viable water source for a new water collection chamber.
Site assessment
A site assessment was conducted to determine which existing water pipelines needed maintenance and repair. This included replacing damaged sections and realigning pipes to ensure maximum water flow.
Construction of water collection chamber
The new water collection chamber was constructed at the alternate site by contractors who are also community members. The construction also included protective walls to prevent the chamber from being damaged by landslides during the monsoon season.
Pipe installation
High-density polyethylene pipes (HDPE) pipes were installed to transport water from the new water collection chamber to an existing water storage tank. Pipes were also installed from the existing storage tank to water tap stands for community members to access.
project outcomes
project design
Samrang, located in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, faces severe challenges with its water supply due to fragile topography and insufficient water availability at the existing source. Although a community-driven water supply scheme was previously constructed by the local government, the water supply infrastructure had been extensively damaged by landslides caused by heavy rainfall in the monsoon season. The situation was further worsened by the drying up of existing water sources and significant water losses due to the lack of proper water taps.
To address these issues, a new water collection chamber was built in Tshophangma, an alternate and more reliable water-tapping point. The new water collection chamber was connected to the existing water collection tank using HDPE pipes. HDPE pipes are known for their structural integrity and reliable performance under diverse environmental conditions, proving highly effective in disaster-resistant construction.
The existing water supply infrastructure was also augmented through the repair and replacement of damaged pipelines with durable materials like HDPE pipes to enhance resilience against landslides and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, water-use efficiency was improved by installing water tap stands for 33 households, ensuring reliable and accessible water access. Protective measures were also implemented to safeguard the infrastructure and prevent future damage.
These interventions aim to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for the Samrang community, addressing water scarcity and improving water management for both domestic and agricultural needs.
