The Trashi Yangtse district administration has proposed a Nu 100 M budget for the reconstruction of Dongdi Dzong in the 13th Five-Year Plan. The monument was deconstructed after it sustained several cracks on its walls due to earthquakes, especially in 2008. The deteriorated condition of the structure also posed a risk to the monks. It is the seat of the Trashi Yangtse Rabdey.
Deconstruction work of the three-storey structure was completed a few months ago.
The district administration sought technical support from the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development to reconstruct the structure.
“The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development’s chief along with a few engineers from head office have visited the site. They said that the area is not stable as it is gradually sinking. They said an entirely new structure will have to be built now but before the reconstruction work begins, they said they will have to carry out a geophysical survey for about a year long. For now, we have dismantled it,” said Sonam Wangdi, Lam Neten of Trashi Yangtse Rabdey.
Currently, some of the monks and teachers of the Rabdey reside at Chorten Kora to perform daily rituals. The Rabdey has more than 150 monks and teachers.
“When we have rituals, we have to start by around three to five in the morning, so we face problems as we are temporarily sheltered here. Moreover, as we have to carry out monitoring and management work, it is quite challenging. We hope the reconstruction will start as early as possible even though the inconveniences are temporary,” added Lam Neten.
The district administration said they hope to start the reconstruction works in the first financial year of the upcoming Five Year Plan.
“The Dzong reconstruction plan was already there, however, due to the pandemic, the works could not start. The district administration does not have the technical capacity, so we have requested the department, and we hope the Dzong will start reconstruction by the first year of the 13th Five-Year Plan,” said Karma Zangmo, Culture Officer of Trashi Yangtse.
Currently, the relics of the monastery are housed in a separate hall at the site.
The Dongdi Dzong is believed to have been founded by Gongkhar Gyalpo, the grandson of Lhasey Tsangma in the 9th century. It is said to be later reconstructed by Terton Pema Lingpa in the 15th century.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
Edited by Kipchu
