Denchi village in Pema Gatshel is seeing long-awaited development after the district administration and the township were relocated there. With new constructions coming up, residents now have the opportunity to earn an income through rentals and small businesses.
Until the relocation, Denchi village was located nearly 20 kilometres from the district administration.
Despite gypsum mining in the area, residents had limited opportunities to earn a living.
But the relocation of the district administration and the township to Denchi has brought renewed hope to the villagers.
Kherjay, who is living in Denchi said “Now, if we build a house, we can find tenants. Likewise, if we grow vegetables, we now have a market to sell them. So, development is happening now. Everyone is looking forward to making the most of it.”
Likwise, Norbu said “Although Denchi is not heavily populated, there are people who live in town and others who wish to stay here. Even if we build a simple hut, we can find tenants and benefit.”
The ongoing development around the Dzong is just the beginning. Many villagers are planning to build houses to rent to staff and workers in the town.
The development is not only material, villagers say it has also shaped their attitude.
Norbu added that“In the past, we lacked exposure. Now, we have the opportunity to interact with various officials. I feel we’ve learned a lot.”
Kherjay said “Now that the district administration and the town have moved here, most of us started valuing our national identity. Unlike before, we now always wear our national dress when visiting the town.”
The development is also benefiting people from nearby villages such as Khar, Chongshing, and Shumar gewog, improving their prospects for a better livelihood.
Out of over 50 households in these three gewogs, nearly 20 are already renting out their houses, earning about Nu 4,000 per month.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
