The restoration work of Rigsum Goenpa in Trashi Yangtse is still underway. However, the progress has been slower than expected, mainly due to frequent breakdowns of the cable crane system, which is being used to transport the entire raw material for construction. So far, almost half of the project has been completed. Due to various challenges, the project is now expected to take an additional year to complete.
The restoration work of Rigsum Goenpa began in 2021 and was originally scheduled for completion by mid of next year.
Currently, around 120 workers are engaged in various tasks such as stone carving, carpentry work, and other construction-related work.
Due to the lack of a road and the unavailability of building materials in the area, such as stones, red mud, and timber, a cable crane system is used for transporting them.
This cable crane takes about 30 minutes to carry the materials from the base camp to the construction site, and it can operate up to 16 times a day.
Although two cable cranes are used alternately, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, they frequently break down due to the heavy workload, steep slope, and long distance.
“The cable crane route is more than one kilometre long and includes an uphill climb. As a result, the crane frequently gets damaged, preventing us from transporting construction materials. Although we try to repair it, one crane after another keeps breaking down. This is the main reason we have not been able to show good progress,” said Dorji, Project Manager, Rigsum Goenpa Restoration Project.
He added that spare parts for the cable crane are not readily available and have to be imported, which takes time. Additionally, getting skilled labour remains a challenge due to the remote location of the site.
The structure includes the construction of a three-storeyed main temple, a two-storeyed classroom, hostels for monks, a dining hall, and a guesthouse, among others.
“We have not yet started work on some structures. So far, we have completed the first storey of the hostel and two storeys of the main temple. Overall, we have completed around 48 per cent of the project, while we have already spent about 60 per cent of the budget,” added the project manager.
The project is funded by the Government of India with an initial budget of Nu 261 M. However, the project cost has escalated to Nu 286 M due to revised labour charges.
The reconstruction began after an earthquake in 2013 damaged the main temple. The statues and relics were temporarily relocated to another structure.
The monastery is believed to be around 300 years old, initially founded by Lama Tshering Jamtsho, a close disciple of the 9th Je Khenpo, Gyelwa Shacha Rinchen.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
Edited by Kipchu
