The renovation work of the popular Rigsum Goenpa in Trashi Yangtse is ongoing but the progress is quite slow. This is because the cable crane system, which is used for transporting raw materials to the construction site is old and often breaks down. The renovation of the 18th century monastery, which has no road connection, started in 2021 after an earthquake in 2013 damaged the main temple.
As the monastery is situated at a high-altitude area and around 2 hours walk uphill from the project’s road, almost all the materials for renovation are being transported by a cable crane. When the cable crane breaks down, repairing it is time-consuming.
“I am sceptical if the project would be completed on time as there are not many workers here. Moreover, the cable crane breaks down often as the cable has been laid over a very long distance. This is affecting the delivery of raw materials,” said Pema Gyeltshen, the Principal of Rigsum Goenpa.
The old monastery has been dismantled and the relics have been moved to a temporary structure. Devotees are looking forward to a newly built structure.
“If the temple is renovated fast, we would be happy as we will have a proper place for religious sessions with the lama. Though the relics are housed in the one-storey structure currently, we hope to see a traditional style monastery rebuilt here,” said Nyendra, a devotee.
According to the project manager, the cable crane has low pulling capacity. Moreover, he said, when it breaks down, the spare parts are not easily available.
“We are trying to hire an extra cable crane for which we have almost completed all the tendering procedures. The new one will have more carrying capacity which will progress the works threefold,” said Dorji, Project Manager of Rigsum Goenpa Renovation Project.
The Government of India is funding the renovation project worth Nu 261 M. The completion date is set for 2026.
The monastery is around 300 years old. It is believed to be founded by Yongzin Tshering Jamtsho who was a close disciple of the 9th Je Khenpo Gyelwa Shacha Rinchen.
There are around 50 monks currently residing in the monastery.
Ngawang Tenzin, Trashi Yangtse
Edited by Kipchu
