Much-awaited dzong construction begins

Pemagatshel: It was a moment of joy for the people of Pemagatshel to witness the salang (ground breaking) ceremony of the much-awaited new Pemagatshel dzong construction at Denchi on February 27 by Lyonchhen Jigme Y Thinley. The ceremony coincided with the 10th plan mid-term review in the dzongkhag on February 27 and 28.

Lyonchhen reiterated that Denchi will be a model town in the country and that people in the dzongkhag stand to prosper in various ways. “The construction of the dzong will be taken up by the government but it will open up employment and business opportunities for the people, especially youth,” Lyonchhen said to a gathering of over 500 people.

Lyonchhen admitted that the relocation of the dzongkhag headquarters has taken a long time to materialise since the fourth Druk Gyalpo’s command. But he reassured the people that today, it is a proud moment for the dzongkhag. “Pemagatshel is no longer a poor and remote dzongkhag. With abundant mineral resources and productive land enhanced by a network of road being built now, the future looks even brighter,” he told the gathering.

He informed the people that the government will soon approve the plan for the town for implementation.

Salang tendrel was attended by many villagers. “I heard a lot about this construction but saw not much happening. I thought it’s not going to happen in my lifetime. Today, when I heard that salang tendrel is taking place, I came to watch and pray,” said 84-year-old Meme Dorji Wangdi.

Sangay Norbu from Yurung walked two hours and hitched a ride in a pick-up truck for another half an hour to Denchi. “I thought I will never make it in time for the sacred ceremony,” said Sangay, wiping off sweat from his brow.

Businessmen from Pemagatshel were the most excited of all the people. After decades of no visible progress in the present town, they are eagerly waiting to move to the new town. “I have spent all my life in Pemagatshel town but, after all these years, the town remains the same and we do not even own a plot of land to be called ours. We are now mentally prepared to move,” said Tshewang Lhendup, a resident of Pemagatshel town.

The relocation of the dzongkhag headquarters at Denchi, about 15 kilometres from the present dzong, was approved by the 86th session of the previous National Assembly in 2006. The present dzong and the market place were reported to be on a geologically

unstable slope. The area, which was thought to be sliding slowly, has stabilized now but it lacks space for proper development and expansion.

By 2008, geo-technical studies for Denchi town had been completed and the dzongkhag began demarcation of the town area. Initially, 300 acres of land had been demarcated. It was revised to 116 acres belonging to 29 land owners of which only a few have permanent residence.

According to the Dzongkhag engineer, Lungten, the town development is taken up in two phases. In the first phase, about 18 acres of land had been acquired for the construction of dzong, thrimkhang and other important government offices. “The rest will be in the next phase.”

He said, “We have already tendered out water supply work for the new town. This will be awarded soon. Survey for re-alignment of approach road has just been completed and we are estimating the cost. This is also expected to begin soon to enable easy transportation of construction materials.”

The royal government and the government of India are funding the Nu 250 million dzong construction project.

By Gyembo Namgyal