Over the years, the sacred Buli Lake has become a popular place for both domestic and foreign visitors. But the road that leads to the site used to be a problem due to its poor condition. Today, the issue is no more with the road having been recently repaired and blacktopped.
In spite of the COVID situation, dozens of people visit the Buli Tsho every day. During winter which is the peak season for visitors, hundreds of people come to the lake each day.
The sacred lake is said to be home to the Buli Manmo, the mermaid guardian deity of the region.
People park their cars at the entrance gate, and then walk for about ten minutes to the lake.
But the road from the Buli Central School to the entrance gate used to be filled with potholes and was in need of dire repairs.
Today, the almost four-kilometre stretch has been transformed for the better.
“The road was very bad in the past, it had so many potholes and it was very difficult, especially for small cars,” said Zangmo, a resident of Buli.
Sonam Zangmo says the road would “become muddy in the summer, and it would become impassable. But now, since the road has been blacktopped, there’s no problem whether you’re driving in the summer or winter.”
“It has not only benefited people visiting the lake, but it has been beneficial to the residents as well,” said Nangsel Sedon.
Works on the road started in November of last year and were completed about four months ago in April. But the Gewog Office says initial works already began in 2019 since the pilgrimage site had been seeing an increasing number of visitors. As part of the developmental works, they have also placed waste bins, and constructed a proper footpath, restrooms and several other facilities.
“Visitors are concerned with the road condition. I would get calls from people asking about it. But now we have repaired the road and blacktopped it and made it convenient for everyone,” said Nangkor Gup Singye Wangchuk.
The works were carried out at a cost of Nu 14 M ngultrum. It was funded by the Small Development Grant under the GoI Project.
Buli is located about 56 kilometres from Zhemgang town.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
