Adapting to Water Scarcity in Bhutan

CHALLENGE

The village of Tsirang Toed in Bhutan has long suffered from water shortages caused by changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and local development pressures such as road construction and deforestation.

SOLUTION

Bhutan’s NAPA II project improved water access and sanitation in Tsirang Toed through infrastructure development, ecological restoration, and community engagement in sustainable water management. However, ongoing efforts are needed for long-term sustainability.

OVERVIEW

Since the 1980s, Tsirang Toed has experienced growing water scarcity as streams and ponds that once supported the community have gradually disappeared. The combination of unpredictable weather patterns, hotter days, and human activities such as deforestation and road building worsened the problem.

Bhutan’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) II project addressed this challenge by developing water supply and sanitation systems and creating a water user association to ensure fair distribution and regular maintenance. It also engaged local residents in understanding the links between climate change, community practices, and water resources. These efforts improved access to clean water and encouraged shared responsibility for sustainable management.

While the project achieved notable improvements, it also underscored the need for continued maintenance and strong community ownership to ensure long-term water security.

DETAILS

This case study examines a project implemented under Bhutan’s NAPA II project, Addressing the Risks of Climate Induced Disasters in Bhutan through Enhanced National and Local Capacity for Effective Actions. The project, carried out from 2014 to 2018, focused on alleviating water scarcity in the remote village of Tsirang Toed, Bhutan, providing support to 309 households. This initiative was launched by the Bhutanese government due to the village’s high vulnerability to water shortages and significant poverty levels, making it a critical area for intervention.

The challenge of water scarcity in Tsirang Toed

Located in the southern district of Tsirang, Bhutan, Tsirang Toed is home to 2,200 people, with most households relying on subsistence farming. Starting in the 1980s, Tsirang Toed began experiencing water shortages, despite the region’s humid, subtropical climate. Unpredictable weather patterns, with hotter days and inconsistent rainfall, have led to the disappearance of the streams and ponds the community once relied on.

These changes are not unique to Tsirang Toed, as rainfall patterns across Bhutan have become increasingly erratic. While climate change plays a significant role in this water scarcity, it is not the only factor. Community members also attribute the decreased water availability to increased demand and development activities, such as road construction and deforestation. Further analysis was needed to fully understand the complex causes of water scarcity in the region.

Water management under the NAPA II Project

To address the issue of water scarcity in Tsirang Toed, the Royal Government of Bhutan prioritized the community for its NAPA II project, which focuses on assisting least Developed Countries (LDCs) in addressing climate change adaptation needs. The project, funded by the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), was implemented by the Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) in collaboration with the national NGO, Tarayana Foundation.

The project implemented a range of interventions designed to improve water access and management in the community. These activities included educating the community about climate change and its impacts on water resources through workshops and training sessions. To improve water infrastructure, the project supported the construction of a water reservoir, water harvesting tanks, and a distribution pipe system. To ensure community ownership and sustainability, a water user association was established to oversee water management and distribution. For long-term financial sustainability, a women’s financial savings group was set up to manage funds for infrastructure maintenance. To restore the local ecosystem and improve water retention, invasive species were removed and replaced with native trees. Finally, the project promoted the use of traditional and sustainable water management practices by preserving hand-dug ponds and providing training on bamboo water filtration.

The Tarayana Foundation played a crucial role in these activities, providing a dedicated field officer and an external consultant. The National Environment Commission (NEC) also conducted an assessment of local water resources and projected climate change impacts, though this evaluation was finalized late in the project.

Outcomes and long-term sustainability

The NAPA II project in Tsirang Toed led to several positive outcomes. The construction of easily accessible water points near households significantly improved water access, leading to better sanitation and health. The project also reduced the financial and labor costs associated with managing water resources. Community awareness of climate change increased, and a systematic water management system was established. The project also had positive social and economic impacts, diversifying livelihoods and contributing to the return of migrated youth. Furthermore, the removal of invasive species and the return of native vegetation led to a healthier local ecosystem.

Despite these achievements, long-term sustainability remains a concern. Over-extraction of water from the new reservoir could jeopardize the future water supply, and community leaders are exploring alternative sources.

The NAPA II project in Tsirang Toed serves as an example of transformative adaptation, demonstrating a shift to a more sustainable and community-managed water system. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure long-term success. This includes ongoing community engagement, incorporating climate data in planning, and addressing challenges related to water distribution, seasonal shortages, and infrastructure maintenance.

Acknowledgements

This article is based on publicly available information from the websites in the references section. We appreciate the efforts of organizations and researchers who have made this knowledge accessible.