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Funeral site proposal comes through

17 November 2009

The government has approved the construction of multi-religion funeral facilities at Hongtsho after receiving report from Thimphu Dzongkhag on the feasibility studies at Pungshi in Mewang Gewog and Hongtsho in Chang Gewog.

The report found Hongtsho more feasible as there is no human settlement nearby and the site has been used for the last 40 years. Redevelopment of the already existing site is easier, according to a dzongkhag official.

Located about 15 km from Thimphu on Thimphu-Trashigang highway, the proposed site will have a Buddhist crematorium with facilities like an incinerator, prayer hall, guest house and a chorten.

A Hindu funeral site with a funeral platform, prayer hall, guest house, a pond to collect waste water and a rest house located some distance away from the funeral site will be constructed. On the other side of the river, a burial site will be developed.

The 1.4 acre proposed site for burial will be terraced. The site will have a compound fence, lighting and a permanent gate where a gatekeeper will be stationed.

Common urinal, toilets and parking will also be constructed.

Today, the Hindus construct pyre over the river and the remains flows into it which has adverse impact on the environment. Officials from Thimphu Dzongkhag said the Hindu funeral platform will be designed to allow water underneath to flow into a pond and not flow into the river.

About 3.79 acres of forested land has been identified for the funeral site and a 60-metre road will be constructed from the highway.

According to Thimphu Dzongkhag officials, transferring land to the dzongkhag has been discussed with land acquisition committee and it is under process.

Except for the structural drawing of the Hindu funeral platform, the paper works for the rest is ready. During Durga Puja in September, Thimphu dzongkhag engineer had requested the Hindu pundits to come up with structure plan. The pundits had said they would discuss and get back to the dzongkhag with the structural drawing after the Puja was over.

But the drawing has not yet reached the dzongkhag which has delayed the works, according to the engineer. Once the structure plan and budget are approved, the construction, which is expected to take 18 months, will start.

By Rabi C Dahal

The government has approved the construction of multi-religion funeral facilities at Hongtsho after receiving report from Thimphu Dzongkhag on the feasibility studies at Pungshi in Mewang Gewog and Hongtsho in Chang Gewog.
The report found Hongtsho more feasible as there is no human settlement nearby and the site has been used for the last 40 years. Redevelopment of the already existing site is easier, according to a dzongkhag official.
Located about 15 km from Thimphu on Thimphu-Trashigang highway, the proposed site will have a Buddhist crematorium with facilities like an incinerator, prayer hall, guest house and a chorten.
A Hindu funeral site with a funeral platform, prayer hall, guest house, a pond to collect waste water and a rest house located some distance away from the funeral site will be constructed. On the other side of the river, a burial site will be developed.
The 1.4 acre proposed site for burial will be terraced. The site will have a compound fence, lighting and a permanent gate where a gatekeeper will be stationed.
Common urinal, toilets and parking will also be constructed.
Today, the Hindus construct pyre over the river and the remains flows into it which has adverse impact on the environment. Officials from Thimphu Dzongkhag said the Hindu funeral platform will be designed to allow water underneath to flow into a pond and not flow into the river.
About 3.79 acres of forested land has been identified for the funeral site and a 60-metre road will be constructed from the highway.
According to Thimphu Dzongkhag officials, transferring land to the dzongkhag has been discussed with land acquisition committee and it is under process.
Except for the structural drawing of the Hindu funeral platform, the paper works for the rest is ready. During Durga Puja in September, Thimphu dzongkhag engineer had requested the Hindu pundits to come up with structure plan. The pundits had said they would discuss and get back to the dzongkhag with the structural drawing after the Puja was over.
But the drawing has not yet reached the dzongkhag which has delayed the works, according to the engineer. Once the structure plan and budget are approved, the construction, which is expected to take 18 months, will start.
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Posted by Bhutan Observer · Filed Under About Town 

Comments

2 Responses to “Funeral site proposal comes through”

  1. Dorji on November 17th, 2009 4:39 pm

    If there is really religious freedom please condult with christian as well. christians also need such services….!!!

  2. Phorap on November 20th, 2009 11:57 am

    Mr Dorji……..I know you are worried about the place to bury you but you don’t have to, because 1.4 acre has been proposed as a site for burial on the other side of the river. On top of that they are looking for a gatekeeper too. I think you might be interested to look after your christian fellows.

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