Concerns over the adequacy of the 10 per cent budget allocation for lhakhang development are not confined to one or two villages. Many communities are reporting similar issues. In Trongsa, the Korphu Community Lhakhang urgently requires repair, with its structure severely damaged and at risk of collapse. Although renovation began last year with support from the gewog and residents, the project is now grappling with a serious funding shortfall.
Renovation work is underway. Residents from Korphu Toed and Maed chiwogs have come together, contributing both labour and cash.
According to elders, households take turns to provide monthly labour.
So far, more than 60 households contributed Nu 20,000 each.
The gewog administration provided Nu 1.1 M in 2025-2026 financial year from its annual grant. The gewog has yet to release 10 per cent from its annual grant in 2026-2027 financial year.
Despite these efforts, progress remains limited, and the community is now seeking financial support from the districts or central government.
Karma, the supervisor of Korphu Lhakhang construction said, “It has been over 10 months since timber work began. We have been paying carpenters monthly, and wall construction started two months ago. All expenses are borne by the community, as we have not received sufficient government support.”
Pema Tashi, a resident said, “Working here affects our cardamom farming. If we skip our turn, we must pay a fine. This is becoming difficult for us.”
The lhakhang is believed to have been founded by Terton Pema Lingpa in the 15th century.
The issue was also raised during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu meeting.
Korphu Gup Kinzang Choden said, “It is impossible to complete the construction through community contributions alone. The gewog has already spent 10 per cent of its annual budget for two consecutive years. But it is not enough. We are now seeking a supplementary budget from the district.”
Similarly, Korphu Mangmi Thinley Dorji said, “The community cannot continue to bear this burden alone. With the foundation work already started and summer approaching, we request the Dzongkhag Tshogdu to seek assistance from the ministry, if needed.”
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu has asked the gewog to submit detailed project report for further review.
Gempo Drukpa, the Chairperson of Dzongkhag Tshogdu said, “The gewog must provide details on the budget spent by gewog and progress made. Based on this, the district will assess whether it can support the project or forward it to the home affairs ministry.”
For now, the people of Korphu wait, hopeful that support will come before time runs out.
Thinley Dorji, Trongsa
