Spectators at this year’s Paro Tshechu were again left watching from cramped spaces at Deyangkha, despite earlier assurances from the district administration that the venue would be expanded. The venue expansion project still remains at the planning stage, more than five months after budget approval. Construction timelines remain unclear as officials await completion of design drawings for the ground development.
Huge crowds gathered at Deyangkha last month to witness Paro tshechu.
But many were left without proper seating as the existing gallery struggled to accommodate the turnout. The ground can accommodate around 20,000 spectators.
Several spectators flock to the venue each morning dressed in their finest attire during the five-day festival. But only some manage to secure spots in the seating gallery and witness the performances comfortably with clear views.
Others are forced to sit along the hillside above the ground.
Many say they miss parts of the performances due to overcrowding and obstructed views.
Ugyen, a resident of Paro, who came to witness the festival says, “When people from all 20 districts and tourists come to watch the tshechu, there is not enough space, and it becomes uncomfortable. We were informed last year that a larger and better viewing area would be ready this year. However, the situation remains unchanged.”
The expansion project was approved in August last year with an initial allocation of Nu 1.7 M. However, implementation remains stalled due to delays in approvals, cost estimation, and preparation of design drawings.
According to officials, no major work was carried out between August and November as the project awaited necessary clearances. In December, efforts were made to move the project forward, and technical personnel were initially assigned. However, progress slowed again due to the unavailability of key technical personnel, which disrupted continuity in the design process.
After a site visit last month, technical personnel have again been assigned to carry out the design works. Officials from the Regional Office for Infrastructure Development say they are currently working on the design drawings. They add that the drawings will be completed as soon as possible, although no specific timeline has been set.
Tshering Dorji, Paro Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson, acknowledges that the district could not complete the works in time for this year’s tshechu due to several delays. However, he assured that development works will be completed before next year’s festival. “The budget is not fixed at Nu 1.7 M. The design drawings must be completed first, and only then can we finalise the cost estimation accordingly. The 1.7 M is an initial allocation to start the project.”
According to officials, construction timelines will only be determined after the design phase is completed. The proposed works include constructing a new pavilion for officials and elderly spectators, expanding and redesigning the viewing gallery, and levelling the ground to improve visibility and safety. The performance area is also expected to be extended to accommodate larger crowds.
As Paro’s growing population and rising visitor numbers continue to pressure existing infrastructure, officials expect the upgraded ground to accommodate up to 100,000 people once it is complete.
Karma Samten Wangda, Paro
Edited by Phub Gyem
