Gasa Tshachhu, a popular place for local visitors, is expected to be reopened soon. The popular hot spring located in the Gasa district has remained closed after it was damaged by the swollen Mochhu in August of 2021. Gasa Tshachhu has been undergoing restoration works since then and is expected to be opened to the public by October.
Almost 80 per cent of the total works have been finished so far. Officials say they want to complete the project before the Royal Highland Festival which will also take place in October at Laya.
“The work will be completed by September this year. People from all parts of the country go to Laya to witness the Royal Highland Festival. Likewise, international tourists will also visit the festival. Therefore, we are working tirelessly to complete the works so that visitors can also enjoy the hot spring,” said Sonam, Tshachhu Restoration Project Member Secretary.
Despite the incessant downpour of the monsoon season, the restoration works carried on without stop. So far, the Mochhu diversion and wall constructions are 90 per cent complete. Likewise, officials say around 80 per cent of the pond and shed works have also been completed.
“We also have plans to widen the area of river course. This will ensure that the river doesn’t flood when it swells and the river current doesn’t become very strong,” said Sonam.
The place will have two sheds for the public and two sheds for VIPs.
“We have constructed separate soaking spots for men and women. We have four wooden tubs in one shed, and every tub can accommodate around 20 to 25 people at a time. So, on average, around 100 women can be accommodated in a shed for females. And it’s the same for the men as well,” added Sonam.
With the hot spring having been washed away twice by the Mochhu, the river has now been diverted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We have constructed strong river protection walls so that the river doesn’t come this way even when it swells up. Although we cannot predict the future, we have done all we can to ensure safety and diverted the Mochhu.”
The restoration of the hot spring and other works are being carried out with a total budget of Nu 47 M. Besides an electricity connection, the hot spring will also have public toilets and changing rooms with showers.
Before the closure of the hot spring, hundreds of people visited the place every year mainly due to its therapeutic benefits. It is believed that the hot spring can cure digestive disorders, skin problems, joint pains and stomach ulcers among many.
Changa Dorji, Gasa
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
