The farm road to Yebisa Chiwog in Punakha’s Chhubu Gewog is in poor condition, raising safety concerns. People say it is only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.
Although the road is less than half a kilometre from the Punakha–Gasa highway, it is one of the busiest routes in the area. More than 50 households depend on it daily. It is also used by tourists travelling to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and by visitors heading to the Mochhu for river rafting.
Despite its importance, the road is in poor condition. Residents say it is decades old, with worn-out blacktop, potholes, and an uneven surface. The road is narrow and runs along steep slopes, making it difficult for vehicles to pass, especially when traffic moves in both directions.
The situation is further complicated by administrative overlap. While the road falls under Kabisa Gewog, it mainly serves the people of Yebisa Chiwog in Chhubu Gewog. This has delayed major maintenance works.
A rafting operator, Kelzang Lhuendrup, said all tourists use this road, but responsibility for its upkeep remains unclear. He said discussions with both gewog administrations have not led to any solution so far.
Residents say the condition of the road has remained unchanged for years. Pemba, a resident of Yebisa Chiwog, said the steep and potholed road becomes especially risky when vehicles meet on the narrow stretch. He added that inexperienced drivers, including those transporting tourists, face greater difficulty.
Another resident, Kaka Dem, said the situation worsens during the rainy season when potholes deepen. He said vehicles often get stuck, and although no major accidents have occurred so far, minor damage is common.
Namgay Zangmo, who lives along the road, said the risks increase during summer when the road deteriorates further. She said vehicles sometimes slide while descending, creating constant fear for residents living nearby.
The issue has been raised several times at the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. The Punakha District Administration has now prioritised the road for improvement.
About Nu 4 M has been proposed to repair and blacktop the road in the next financial year. According to Chhubu Gup Jimba Gyeltshen, the work could begin by November this year if the proposal is approved.
Residents say improving the road will not only make travel safer but also support livelihoods. Yebisa Chiwog is one of the key vegetable-producing areas, and better road access will help farmers transport their produce to markets more easily.
For now, people in the area are hoping that repairs begin before a major accident occurs.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Pem
