Residents of Chulabi Khatoe in Chhali Gewog under Monggar carry their farm produce to the nearest road point to access the market. Without a road to the village, this has long been their reality. With road construction now in the pipeline, they hope to ease this burden and improve their livelihoods.
Chulabi Khatoe is a scenic village of just over 15 households, surrounded by farmland. Following recent rains, farmers are busy preparing their fields. They grow a variety of vegetables and crops for sale, with maize as their main source of income.
The growing use of power tillers and basic farm machinery has steadily increased production.
But despite these gains, one major challenge remains. Without a proper road, villagers still carry their produce on their backs to the road point before transporting it to Monggar town for sale. The nearest road is 30 minutes’ walk.
A few years ago, determined to improve access, villagers came together to build a narrow track themselves. However, it only accommodates a power tiller.
Today, the need for a proper farm road has become more urgent than ever.
“A proper road would benefit everyone. At the moment, we only have a narrow track for power tillers. Most of the time, we still carry our goods on our backs to the road point,” said Ugyen Dema, a farmer.
Chulabi Tsogpa Karma Wangmo said, “Villagers approached us, highlighting the challenges caused by the lack of road access. Carrying farm produce on their backs is difficult. We recently met with the community, and the discussion went well. We have now submitted the proposal to the Gewog Tshogde.”
Nearly a decade ago, during the construction of a four-kilometre road connecting Goenpa and Pangthang through Chulabi, villagers did not allow it to pass through their land. As a result, the road was built far from the village.
Today, many regret that decision.
“Earlier, when the road was first proposed, some of us refused to give up our land, and others did not attend the meetings. As a result, we missed that opportunity. We depend entirely on agriculture, so road connectivity is our lifeline. Now, we struggle to carry our goods for nearly 30 minutes up a steep slope to reach the road,” said Sherab Wangchuk, a resident.
After repeated appeals, their request for a proper road has finally been heard, and a budget will be proposed in the Financial Year 2027-28.
For the people of Chulabi, the road represents easier access to markets, reduced hardship, and the promise of a better livelihood.
Namgay Wangchuk
