Over 550 landowners in Samtenling Gewog, Sarpang, are preparing to make way for the construction of the Gelephu International Airport. With around 1,400 acres falling under the project area, they have three choices: land replacement, tokenisation(similar to leasing) and monetary compensation. Meanwhile, government offices located in the area are also getting ready to vacate their premises.
The construction of the Gelephu International Airport will affect 552 thram holders in Samtenling Gewog, covering approximately 1,400 acres of land. Of these, 224 thram holders have land within the runway construction zone, covering approximately 650 acres, which will be immediately affected.
Landowners will be given three options: request land replacement from 19 districts excluding Sarpang, lease their land to the project, or opt for monetary compensation. The modalities for implementation are still being finalised.
The Samtenling Gewog Administration has proposed three potential relocation sites: Lamaithang in Samtse, Pemathang in Samdrup Jongkhar, and Dhanesay in Tsirang.
While some landowners prefer compensation, others hope to secure land close to home.
“I am considering leasing it out. With monetary compensation, I would likely spend the money within my lifetime, and it wouldn’t last long. However, leasing the land could benefit future generations. I haven’t discussed this with anyone yet. But for the 50 decimals, I would prefer to seek land replacement to build a house,” said Tshewang Peldon, a resident who owns around 4 acres of land in Samtenling.
“I plan to request monetary compensation as I am concerned about land fragmentation. Currently, I own 43 decimals of land in this area. After relinquishing it, I intend to permanently relocate to my property at Hilley Chiwog in Sarpang,” said Tshewang Peldon, a resident.
“I already own land in Samtse, but if possible, I would prefer to be relocated within Sarpang. If that’s not an option, I will seek monetary compensation. Still, my first choice would be to stay in Sarpang,” said Tika Maya Rai, another resident.
Meanwhile, several government offices located in Samtenling are preparing to vacate. These include the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Regional Seed Centre and Farm Machinary Centre. The Bhutan Centennial Distillery, a unit under the Army Welfare Project will also be relocated.
While some offices have received official notice from the Gelephu Mindfulness City administration to vacate by June this year, others, like FMCL, say they are still waiting for formal directives.
“We are still seeking directives from the department. We have already submitted a detailed list of all permanent and semi-permanent structures to the Department of Procurement and Properties and are awaiting their guidance before dismantling. We have suggested Samrang in Samdrup Jongkhar as the most suitable site for relocation,” said Nar Badhur Adhikari, the Offtg. Programme Director, ARDC.
The Gelephu International Airport is expected to begin construction in June this year and aims to start operations by 2029. In its first phase, it is projected to handle 1.3 million passengers annually, with future expansions planned to accommodate up to 15 million passengers.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Kipchu
