Dagana district is renowned for its pilgrimage and heritage sites. But some sacred sites are on the verge of disappearance and lack basic facilities for visitors. Fortunately, the Mawong Yuetsen project, a rural development project has played a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing these sites. The project was launched in Tsirang and Dagana as a pilot project in September last year.
Seventeen teams from Dagana took part in the six-month-long Mawong Yuetsen project. Recognising their efforts and volunteerism, the best initiatives were rewarded with cash prizes and certificates last week.
In Tseza Gewog, a group of eight members successfully cleared bushes that were blocking the visibility of the Dho Dungkar sacred site.
Additionally, they constructed a resting place and a simple altar for offering butter lamps. The team used locally available materials to enhance the beauty of the site and plans to provide safe drinking water access.
“Earlier, the sacred site was surrounded by bushes and trees making it difficult to see the Dho Dungkar. Besides, it lacked a resting place and a proper site to offer butter lamps. So, our group decided to work at the site to make it better for visitors,” said Dorji, a resident.
Dagana Forest Division based in Dagapela contributed to the project by developing religious sites, creating a rock garden and conducting tree plantations using leftover office construction materials. Their efforts earned them the first prize of Nu 120,000.
“We didn’t work on the project to win a prize. We started the beautification works after drawing inspiration from one of the speeches by His Majesty The King. But we are fortunate to have received the first prize,” said Kencho Dukpa, the CFO of the divisional forest office.
The Mawong Yuetsen project is organised by the Project for Rural Development (PRuDent) in collaboration with RENEW Microfinance. It encourages volunteerism and supports various activities aimed at developing rural communities. The prize money awarded to the teams will enable them to further improve and diversify their project.
“For instance, in Karna Gewog, one team revived their local lake known as Rewalakh, which was previously neglected and filled with wood locks. Thanks to the Mawong Yuetsen project, a group of five men successfully restored the lake,” said Sonam Choki, the project coordinator of Project for Rural Development.
The success of the project has led to plans for similar rural developmental initiatives in Chhukha and Haa. The initiative draws inspiration from the success of “Our Village Has a Future” a concept that originated in Germany in 1961.
By preserving and reviving these heritage sites, the Mawong Yuetsen project is ensuring the conservation of Dagana’s cultural and historical treasures for future generations to enjoy.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Sonam Pem
