Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck graced the Sertog installation ceremony of the Utse of Sarpang Dzong today. The ceremony was presided over by Yonten Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang. The Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs and other dignitaries also attended the ceremony. As of now, about 75 per cent of the work has been completed. The construction works that started in 2017 are being carried out by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development with funding support from the Government of India.
The dzong’s structural and architectural aspects, along with the finishing touches for all parts of the dzong have been completed except for the Kuenrey. As of now, only the foundation of the Kuenrey has been laid.
Once complete, Sarpang Dzong will house the district rabdey and serve as the administrative block for Gelephu Mindfulness City.
With the inauguration of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, some people have questioned whether the Sarpang Dzong will be there or not and about its management. Rest assured, Sarpang Dzong will remain the home for the Dzongkhag Rabdhey as usual. Currently, internal construction has been halted temporarily under His Majesty’s command. Once complete, it will become the offices of Gelephu Mindfulness City and the district administration. People need not worry, Sarpang will have a Dzong,” said Sangay Kinga, the project manager of Sarpang Dzong Construction Project.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother visited the construction site of the Dzong and served Tokha to the officials and workers involved in the Dzong construction.
“I am very happy to have met Her Majesty the Gyalum in person for the first time. We are delighted to have served lunch by Her Majesty,” said Damber Bahadur Chhetri, a worker of the project.
“This is my first time seeing Her Majesty in person. I am happy to have been served lunch by Her Majesty,” said Jit Bahadur Monger, also a worker.
Sarpang Dzong is being constructed on an area spanning over 11 acres. The projected cost for the construction of the dzong is over Nu 1bn. It is expected to be completed by next year.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam Pem
