Residents of Tsimalakha town in Chhukha continue to live in cramped, decades-old houses with no room for expansion. Despite having been allotted plots for new construction, the settlement remains clustered together, unable to build due to the plots being too small to develop proper homes.
Families have lived in Tsimalakha town for generations. The settlement began in the 1970s during the construction of the Chhukha Hydropower Project.
It was later surveyed and granted as kidu in 2017. A total of 37 plots were allocated that year.
However, nearly eight years on, the town remains stagnant with no proper houses constructed.
“It is almost 40 years since the establishment of the settlement here. But if we look at the condition of the town, it remains as it was. We were very happy when we got the land, but later realised the plots were not given as per the previous measurements and sizes,” said Dawa Penjor, a shopkeeper in Tsimalakha.
Residents say the plots allotted are too small to build on, some measuring less than two decimals, while others range between three and four decimals, making it impossible to construct adequate homes.
Lobzang Choden, another shopkeeper said, “How can we start construction on a small plot like a 3-decimal land? We all know it is impossible to construct a house on a 3-decimal plot. And even if we do, it would not be useful. If we get a little bigger land to at least accommodate a house, we will be very grateful.”
Bjabchho Gup, Tashi, added, “People have lands that are only 2 to 3 decimals, so it has been challenging to construct homes. Even if we want to construct, it is impossible because town extension is also difficult, given the cliff terrain. We also approached the district, but the terrain makes it difficult for extension.”
According to district officials, the survey was carried out as per the houses they constructed.
With the old houses clustered together, residents say the town remains vulnerable to disasters like fire.
The district administration stated that aside from installing a fire hydrant, they are also creating awareness and advocating for disaster management.
As of now, the future of these residents remains uncertain. Without a solution to the plot size issue, the town’s long-awaited development continues to stall, leaving families to accommodate in the same cramped homes.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Phub Gyem
