In an attempt to preserve the feeding ground for the Black Necked Cranes , the farmers of Bayuling and Bhimkhar under Trashiyangtse were “pressured” to leave their fields fallow during winter.
A vast portion of roosting ground of the cranes in Bumdeling Tashiyangtse was damaged during 2004 flood. Since then, the cranes have been flying to Bayuling and Bhimkhar, near Tashiyangtse town, to feed during the day.
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We are concerned about the cranes but we are disappointed with the restrictions imposed.”
Tshewang Sonam
Bhimkhar,
Tshogpa
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The villagers say they had to do away with winter farming activities under a lot of pressure from the Dzongkhag and Park officials.
They say they were promised compensation by the Dzongkhag administration and Park officials but nothing of that sort has materialised as yet.
“We are concerned about the cranes but we are disappointed with the restrictions imposed,” said Bhimkhar’s Tshogpa, Tshewang Sonam.
“In order to protect the cranes, people have been restricted from installing barbed wires for fences and the ones that are already up have been asked to be brought down,” he said. He also said people have been asked to stay away from the fields in case they scare away the cranes.
Trashiyangtse Dzongda, Sangay Duba, said they will deliver the farm machinery to the farmers as promised.
The issue is likely to prolong until the Dzongkhag and farmers come up with a solution, favorable to both the parties.
