The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dorji Tshering, indicated that Monggar and Samtse are likely to be established as the next two thromdes based on their ongoing developmental activities and land areas. The minister said this in response to a question from the Chhumig-Ura Member of Parliament, Karma Wangchuk, regarding the government’s plan to establish thromdes before their term ends.
According to the minister, the proposal to have a thromde each in the eastern and western regions was put forth a long time ago.
He said Monggar, being considered a future industrial hub with Gyalsung project among others makes it suitable for a thromde status.
“The eastern and the western regions have the potential to have a Thromde each. In the eastern region, Monggar has the possibility to be a throm considering its growing population and ongoing developmental activities and the future prospects of being an industrial hub,” said the minister.
Similarly, Samtse has been identified as the next eligible thromde. The plan to designate Samtse as a thromde was initiated in 2018 as part of the National Day Footprint Initiative. And it was further discussed during the first session of the Third Parliament.
The district’s land area, population, and the presence of a well-equipped health facility contribute to its potential as a thromde.
“In the western region, Samtse offers several advantages such as improved access to health services, increased tourism potential, facilitation of trade activities, ongoing industrial development in Damdum, and the possibility of connecting a railway track. Further, the construction of significant infrastructure including the longest bridge has the possibility of Samtse being one of the thromdes.”
Meanwhile, according to the Supreme Court’s executive order passed in 2016, the establishment of thromdes should be need-based and should not be instituted all in one go.
Currently, the country has four thromdes in Thimphu, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Phuentshogling.
Ugyen Dorji
Edited by Sonam Pem
