In Chhukha’s Dungna Gewog, concerns are growing over the deteriorating condition of the gewog’s only ancient Lhakhang. Although the monastery has undergone some renovation, cracks have developed in the walls and floors are damaged.
Dungna Lhakhang is believed to have been built in the 16th century. It underwent renovation about a decade ago.
However, its condition has been steadily worsening, with cracks developing in the walls, damaged wooden flooring, and rainwater seeping into the temple during rainy days.
Pemba, Dungna Mangmi said “Water leaks inside the Lhakhang and woods are all getting damaged. Even the doors cannot be closed properly. The flooring is also damaged and dust from the first floor of the Lhakhang would fall on the statues on the ground floor.”
Thinley, caretaker of Dungna Lhakhang said “Everyone is unhappy that we have not been able to renovate the Lhakhang.”
People have been raising concerns to the gewog administration but they said, the gewog is also not in a position to help the community by renovating the temple due to financial guidelines in the country.
Dorji, a resident said “The Lhakhang is very important to us. If the Lhakhang gets damaged, it will be difficult for us because many of us have to make offerings at the Lhakhang. We have been asking the gewog to carryout renovation works but they say they don’t have budget. And we people are not in the position to afford the renovation.”
Pemba, Dungna Mangmi said “As we go in accordance with the law, we the gewog cannot do much as we cannot spend much for such cause. To promote our culture and traditions, taking care of such monuments is very important. The government policy allows us to use only ten percent of the budget for such cause and that amount of money is not enough to even make a toilet. So, if there can be a change in the policy, it will benefit us a lot.”
The Annual Grants Guidelines for Local Governments states, “Depending on the need but not to exceed 10 per cent of the annual grant may be used for activities related to the preservation and promotion of cultural and religious heritages.”
According to the people of Dungna, the amount of budget that can be used for such purposes is not at all enough and in the process, historical structures of importance are getting damaged.
Meanwhile, in response to the deteriorating condition of Dungna Lhakhang, the community has resorted to temporary solutions. To prevent rainwater from seeping in, CGI sheets have been placed over the ceiling, while inside the temple, a red carpet has been spread over the damaged and dirty wooden flooring to maintain some semblance of dignity and preservation.
Kinley Dem
