A new approach road from Dangling village under Umling Gewog to Tareythang Gewog in Sarpang has come as a relief for the residents of Tareythang. They will no longer have to worry about being cut off during the monsoon when the Langa river swells. The construction of the road will be completed in November this year.
Tareythang Gewog often remains cut off from the rest of the places the small Langa river turns deadly during summer. A bridge over the river has been a dream for the residents that never materialised due to high costs. But the nearly 7-Kilometer Gyalsung Project’s approach road will benefit the residents.
“The construction of a motorable road from the Drungkhag till Taraythang has immense benefit. In the past, we encountered problems with the Langar river without a bridge,” said Dhanman Gurung from Tareythang.
“The Gyalsung bypass road will benefit us immensely. It will also encourage us to take up mass vegetable farming in the community,” added Tobgay.
However, while the approach road will ensure that they remain connected throughout the season, it would not ease the burden on the residents. Today, there are many children from Tareythang studying in Umling Middle Secondary School. Without a bridge to connect the two gewogs, they have to miss their classes during the rainy season. And to take the new road, it would double the walking distance.
“If there is a bridge, students could walk to the school within a short time. With the new road, it would be easier for people who own cars but for those who don’t, it will be difficult,” said Tobgay.
The Tareythang Gup said the office will again request for a bridge to the district administration. Until then, the residents will have to take the long route or risk their lives crossing the Langa river to get to Umling.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam Pem/ Sonam
