Inhabitants of Hariyo Muga village in Gakidling gewog, Sarpang, used to travel to Tsirang, which is an hour ride in a vehicle, to buy their essentials. But today, they are denied entry into the district for being considered a COVID-19 red zone area. Hariyo Muga has more than 20 households.
Locals now travel to Sarpang and Gelegphu to do shopping which cost them extra expense and time. The village is six kilometres away from the demarcated redline at Darachhu.
Lhakpa Sherpa, a local said, it was easier and convenient to travel to Tsirang. “But if we want to go there, we have to quarantine ourselves for a week and pay Nu 1000 per day.”
“We do not get vehicles easily to travel to Sarpang these days. It was convenient when we were allowed to go to Tsirang,” added Sangay Rinchen, another local.
Till the pandemic is over, residents of Hariyo Muga will have to continue with this arrangement despite inconveniences.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
