Around 30 families resettled at Gakiling in Samdrup Jongkhar are gradually feeling secure in their new village. With a new chain-link fencing protecting their crops from wild animals, they can farm without fear and look ahead with renewed hope. The families relocated from Martang after landslides made their homes unsafe.
After being relocated from Martang in 2023, 30 households began settling in Gakiling in Dewathang Gewog.
Relocation brought safety and a fresh start, but starting over was not without challenges.
Farming, their main source of livelihood remained uncertain due to wildlife intrusion.
But today, that uncertainty is slowly fading. The newly installed chain-link fencing now surrounds their farmland and properties from wild animals.
Lobzang Zangpo said, “This will protect us from wild boar, squirrels, deer and even elephants. We are very thankful to the government for providing this support. We contributed labour to make it successful.”
Another resident Nidup Dorji said,“We are farmers and agriculture is our main livelihood. This fencing has encouraged us to work harder, as it will now protect our crops from wild animals.”
Likewise, Kencho Wangmo said, “After much hard work, it was heart breaking to see our crops destroyed by wild animals. Now, we feel relieved and happy, and we can finally sleep peacefully.”
“Our previous settlement at Martang was not stable, as it was located in a landslide prone area. Now we are relocated and all the basic facilities have reached here. We believe this new place will benefit us,” said Dorji Gamtsho, a resident.
With their farmland now secure, the community in Gakiling can turn its focus from protection to progress, working toward a more stable and self-reliant future.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
