Shopkeepers in Rangjung, under Trashigang Dzongkhag, are confused over the status of their town. The town has entire infrastructure in place to be categorised as a satellite town but the government is yet to recognise it as one.
Rangjung town planning was initiated in 1991. The infrastructure development of the town began in 2003. Solid waste disposal site, internal road network, water supply, street lights and footpaths were constructed with fund of Nu.30 million from the World Bank. The town also has a market shed.
Rangjung town started gaining the attention after Trashigang town started facing space crunch.
A Shopkeeper in Rangjung, Kinzang Chedup, said they have been paying water and waste taxes. “If Rangjung is not eligible to be a town, why are we paying the taxes?”
According to the Dzongkhag administration, the town has not been recognised as a satellite town given the less population residing there. There are currently around 1,300 people living in the town. The Dzongkhag municipal office is however taking care of the functionalities of the town.
“If we include Lungtenzampa, Radhi and Shongphu, there is scope for a town in the future. We have been looking after the town till now. Right now government has not recognised Rangjung as a satellite or a gewog town. But I hope government will recognise it one day,” said Trashigang Dzongda, Lungten Dorji.
There are around 150 plots with only 31 shop operating in the town. Rangjung is located 17 kilometres away from Trashigang town.
