What started as a modest plan for a roadside amenity at Goenshari Gewog in Punakha has spiralled into a land controversy. A forestry clearance for just 2.5 decimals has somehow turned into a lease of more than two acres. This has raised questions about compliance and accountability. The land commission has directed the district land sector to verify the case and submit a detailed report.
In April 2020, the Punakha District Administration sought forestry clearance to develop a roadside amenity at Yagay Magay under Goenshari Gewog, as proposed by the erstwhile Tourism Council of Bhutan. The project aimed to create employment for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following month, the Jigme Dorji National Park approved clearance for 100 square metres, or 2.5 decimals, of state reserve forest land. The land was meant for three restrooms and a caretaker’s house with an attached shop.
However, in May 2022, the gewog administration leased over two acres of land at the same site to a private company for 20 years, with a lease rent of over Nu 1.5 M.
During a compliance monitoring, park officials found that the gewog office had obtained a Land Use Certificate for the larger area, far exceeding the approved clearance. The park then reported the matter to the district administration, the National Land Commission Secretariat, and the Department of Forests and Park Services.
BBS learned that the district administration had responded to the commission earlier admitting that leasing the land to a private company violated the Land Lease Rules and Regulations 2018. But it also pointed out that the company had already invested heavily in guest houses and other facilities.
Under the Land Use Certificate Rules and Regulations 2023, state land allotted on Land Use Certificate cannot be leased to third parties, except for limited complementary use.
For now, the district administration says the case is under review. Both the gewog administration and the Jigme Dorji National Park declined to comment further. Meanwhile, the private company owner maintains he followed the gewog’s decision and that he is also paying the lease rent accordingly.
For now, the dispute remains unresolved. How 2.5 decimals of approved land turned into over 2 acres remains unclear. Until the review is complete, questions over accountability and compliance remain wide open.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Kipchu
