Villagers of Phuentshogthang, Samdrupchhoeling and Dungkarling in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Phuentshogthang Gewog have long been guarding their crops and properties against wild animal attacks. However, the villages are now surrounded by a new three-and-a-half-kilometre-long chain-link and electric fencing. The new fencing, which was inaugurated recently, is expected to be more effective in keeping wild animals away from houses and fields.
After his personal solar fencing broke down in 2021, 66-year-old Gomphey Rai from lower Phuentshogthang Chiwog was unable to cultivate paddy field for two years.
However, with the recent inauguration of the chain-link and electric fencing, Gomphey is now planning to cultivate paddy for the upcoming season.
He expressed his happiness and relief at the protection the new fencing provides.
“For two years, I did not cultivate paddies as my solar fencing did not work. If I cultivate paddy, elephants will damage it and there are chances of them damaging our houses as well. So, I did not cultivate paddy.”
The new chain-link fencing is one meter in height and is hoped to keep wild boar, deer, and other animals from entering the fields.
The blue and white wire called poly wire above the chain-link fence is connected with electricity, which will deter elephants from entering into fields.
“We are happy to get this chain-link fencing. It’s not like earlier with a wooden post. It is made of metal, so we are very happy,” said Ratna Bahadur, a resident of Phuntshothang Gewog.
“Elephants used to visit here and cause damage. Before, the government provided us with solar fencing, and now after getting this type of fencing we are very happy,” said Tshewang Phuntsho, another resident.
“With the Covid situation, the ginger price was not good and wild animals also damaged our crops. So, I stopped cultivating ginger last year. When we come for work, without fencing, we are scared of encountering elephants. Now, with the chain-link fencing, we are not afraid and thinking about starting agriculture work again,” said Tendi Zangmo, a resident.
According to forestry officials from the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, the poly wire will not rust, and the chain-link fencing is durable.
The new fencing will protect about 300 acres of farmland belonging to 84 households in the three chiwogs. The World Wildlife Fund office in Bhutan provided almost Nu 2 M for the project.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sherub Dorji
