After years of legal disputes, Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde has officially taken over the Zangdopelri, compensating the caretaker and temple construction coordinator with over Nu 27 M. However, with the temple in a deteriorating state, the Thromde administration now faces a new challenge of securing funds for its restoration.
The Zangdopelri is in poor condition with broken windows, cracked walls, and worn-out prayer wheels.
However, the Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde does not have funds to carry out immediate maintenance work.
“First, we will seek support from the communities for the maintenance work but if they do not agree, we will allocate a budget for it in the next financial year. Currently, the thromde administration is estimating the total cost to repair the Zangdopelri,” said Thinley Namgay, Samdrup Jongkhar Thrompon.
Elderly visitors come to the Zangdopelri daily to offer prayers but its deteriorating condition poses a safety risk to them.
“The last time I visited here, there were many prayer wheels. Now, most of them have fallen, and some are even burnt. It is risky because they could collapse at any moment, making them unsafe to use,” said Tshewang Dema, a resident of Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde.
“I was nearly hit by a falling debris during the rainy season. Right now, it may not seem as risky but stones are still coming loose from the walls. If repaired, it would be much safer for everyone,” said Jigme, another resident.
“Prayer wheels need to be maintained, it is risky as they may fall anytime. Some prayer wheels have already fallen,” said Baku, also a resident.
The dispute over the Zangdopelri began in 2015 when the National Land Commission directed the caretaker and temple construction coordinator to surrender the land to the thromde. He then filed a case against the Thromde administration.
After years of legal battles, the court ordered the Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde to compensate him with over Nu 27 M for the maintenance and construction expenses he bore. The court also directed the caretaker to hand over the property along with Zangdopelri and two buildings to the thromde.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Pem
