In a move aimed at preserving culture and boosting tourism, a long-awaited project to revive a lake in Tsirang is finally set to begin. The project faced years of delay due to budget constraints but is now being realised thanks to support from the Bhutan for Life initiative. Work is expected to start next month.
The Dara Tsho is located just below the Darachhu settlement, a five-minute walk from the Tsirang-Sarpang highway.
Once said to be longer than an archery range, the lake has now dried up holding only rainwater during the monsoon. Overgrown bushes, debris and grasses cover the already shrinking area.
The Tsirang Forest Division has secured a fund of over Nu 480,000 from Bhutan for Life for the revival works.
The main activities will include clearing debris, grasses, and bushes as well as constructing a retention wall to prevent water loss and help recharge the lake.
At the Dzongkhag Tshogdu last week, it was shared that the Forest Division will also be getting support from the District Administration in the form of machinery and other assistance.
“Darachhu falls under biological corridor or BC3, so we proposed for a budget to the Bhutan for Life,” said Kharannanda Ghimeray, Senior Forest Ranger at the Tsirang Forest Division.
“The office submitted the agenda in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu mainly for endorsement as local government approval is a requirement for such projects under the Bhutan for Life.”
It is hoped that the lake once revived will also help the rural economy by serving as a tourism attraction site.
“In the future, Darachhu will become like Lampelri. With the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, there is a huge potential to attract tourists to the area,” said Kharannanda Ghimeray.
“The lake revival work must be carried out thoroughly. My Gewog is committed to provide any kind of support,” said Patshaling Gup Chabi Kumar Rai
“There is a great scope to boost tourism in the locality. However, as highlighted by the Patshaling Gup, the house urges the relevant agencies leading the lake revival work to ensure necessary safety measures for visitors. Safety has become very important these days,” said Tsirang’s DT Chairperson Beda Moni Chamlagai.
Residents allege that the lake began shrinking after the Tsirang-Sarpang highway construction works started some four decades ago.
Many believe that the lake is home to a Mermaid and that a pair of white ducks and a pair of sparrows would keep the lake clean. Some also say that while the lucky and kind-hearted would come across valuable ornaments and potteries hanging from a tree near the lake, the cruel and ill-natured would find snakes on the same tree.
People continue to conduct religious prayers and smoke offerings to the Mermaid, hoping for the lake’s rejuvenation.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
