In Wangdue Phodrang, Lawala Pass is a gateway to the picturesque Gangtey and Phobji Gewogs, two of the country’s popular tourist destinations. Local businesses at Lawala Pass set up tarpaulin sheets to sell their products. At the recent Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Tshogdu, local leaders said the tarpaulin sheets are unsightly and should be replaced with standardised stalls.
Besides locals, tourists frequently pass through Lawala Pass, often stopping to buy souvenirs and other items on sale. Local businesses have set up stalls at the pass, taking advantage of the constant flow of tourists and visitors.
At the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, the Gangtey gup proposed that constructing standardised stalls would benefit the local vendors.
“Since the main road of our gewog goes through this location, the site is not pleasing to the eye,” said Kinley Gyeltshen, Gangtey Gup.
“Firstly, the tents block the view, and we cannot see anything. Secondly, they pitch tents during the tourist season and keep them as they are during the off-season. So, cows sleep in the tents, and we can see cow dung all over the place, even surrounding the chorten,” said Kumbu, Gangtey Mangmi.
The temporary stalls were taken down during a recent VIP visit.
“They only sell local products and not imported products like biscuits and juice. Even the government wants to increase the sale of domestic products. But if we take down their stalls, I do not know if people will be interested in selling local products,” said Dawa Tshering, Sephu Gup.
After their stalls were removed, some vendors moved to Pelela Pass, while others kept their items packed.
Meanwhile, local businesses are requesting approval to set up temporary stalls immediately.
“They say the plastic tents do not look good. If so, give us proper stalls, and we are even willing to pay rent. If they cannot construct them for us, give us the designs. We will construct them ourselves. I am sure everyone will agree to this,” said Tashi Tshering Yangden.
“We do not have any other way to survive if we are not allowed to sell at the Lawala Pass. We do not have land to work, and some of us do not even have a house. We have to survive by doing this kind of business only,” said Kunzang.
Meanwhile, the district administration says it does not have any plans to construct stalls.
According to the dzongda, a study and discussion with relevant authorities and businesses should be conducted to assess the need.
Accordingly, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to assess to determine suitable locations for the stalls, budgeting requirements, and necessary consultations.
The report must be submitted at the next Dzongkhag Tshogdu. During the tourist season, more than 10 businesses set up stalls at the Lawala Pass.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
