Residents of Gase Tshogom and Gase Tshowom Gewogs in Wangdue Phodrang will soon enjoy comfortable rides to Shalipangkha Goenpa. Shalipangkha Goenpa is one of the most visited and significant religious sites for the local community, hosting important and mandatory religious activities. Until now, the poor condition of the road has posed multiple challenges for travellers. However, this issue is expected to be resolved soon, as road development and surfacing works are now nearing completion.
Over ten-kilometre-long farm road from Tinga above the gewog centre to Shalipangkha Goenpa was constructed in 2004.
Residents of Gase Tshogom and Gase Tshowom travel to Shalipangkha Goenpa to conduct religious rituals for timely rainfall and a good yield of their agricultural produce.
The monastery, founded by Lam Sonam Gyeltshen in the 19th century, is believed to be the seat of Zhingchong Wangmo and local deity Bumpa Rigpa.
The road, which passes through thick forest and slippery slopes, poses risks of accidents, especially during the monsoon.
Locals say that due to increasing traffic and a lack of maintenance, the road condition has deteriorated, developing numerous potholes. The gewog administration could not carry out major renovation until this year due to budget constraints.
“The road passes through sloppy areas. Vehicles skid even when there is a slight rainfall. There is a high chance of vehicles toppling below the road,” said Kinley Wangchuk, Gase Tshogom Mangmi, Wangdue Phodrang.
“Even if our people wish to go to the monastery, they cannot due to poor road conditions. The road condition becomes worse during monsoon,” said Karma, Khatoedkha Tshogpa, Gase Tshogom Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang.
“Sometimes, we even resort to walking, leaving our vehicles on the road. There is a high risk of damage to our vehicle if we drive forcefully to the monastery. It’s difficult to travel in winter due to potholes. So, we have to drive our vehicle up to wherever we can and walk,” said Kinley Dendup, Changkha Tshogpa, Gase Tshogom Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang.
Around 70 per cent of the road improvement work has been completed so far. It is being carried out under the India-Bhutan cooperation project.
“There is a high risk to people’s safety, as the road becomes slippery after rain. People cannot travel to the monastery when it is raining. However, once this project is complete, they will be able to use this road throughout the year without any trouble. Regarding the funding, over Nu 16.1 M is being spent with support from the Government of India,” said Chado, Gase Tshogom Gup, Wangdue Phodrang.
The year-long project began in March this year. The gup says that with the work progressing well so far, it is expected to be complete by March next year, ensuring a safer commute for travellers.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Phub Gyem
