The Samdrupchhoeling Dungkhag in Samdrup Jongkhar has given a one-year time extension to the residents of Tsangchhuthama for relocating to the new township. The new township is almost a kilometre away from the current settlement. They were supposed to relocate there by the end of August this year. However, except for a few, not many construction works are happening in the area today.
Tsangchhuthama is identified as vulnerable to flooding, fire hazard and other natural calamities. They have been staying there illegally on government land for more than three decades in makeshift houses. In 2018, 31 households received land kidu at the new township.
Today only four constructions works are underway at the township. Most of them said the pandemic has affected their plans to construct houses.
“After getting land kidu, we could not get a loan to construct houses for two years. Now when we got the loan, we are unable to start the construction as it is difficult to get labourers and materials in this situation,” said Sherab Zangpo, a resident of Tshangchuthama.
“With the pandemic, we could not start building construction work at the new township. So again we have requested a time extension for a year to relocate,” added Tenzin Chogay.
According to Samdrupchholing Dungkhag Administration, the residents will be given another one-year time extension till 31 July next year in view of the ongoing pandemic.
Spread over 21 acres of land, there are 63 plots in the new township. The Samdrupchhoeling Dungkhag Administration has already completed the construction of basic amenities like a water reservoir tank, an internal road, and electrification work.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam
