Residents of Tsirang and visitors will soon have a dedicated space in Damphu town to buy the district’s organic farm produce and enjoy a place to relax and socialise. The Tsirang District Administration has begun building an Economic Hub, a project expected to transform an underused area into a lively centre for business, recreation and tourism. The 34 million ngultrum project is scheduled for completion in August next year.
An underutilised area surrounding the swimming pool, football ground and Jarung Khashor in Damphu town will soon become a destination where people can shop, relax and spend time with family and friends.
Spread across over 8.6 acres of the area, an Economic Hub is expected to become a landmark area.
According to Tsirang district administration, construction works are being carried out in phases. The first phase includes site development and core infrastructure development. Currently, construction of a market shed, steel truss footbridge, cafe, and canopies is in full swing.
The market shed will accommodate 16 farmers and will be dedicated to selling authentic organic farm produce.
Gewog administrations in collaboration with gewog agriculture extensions will nominate farmers to use the market shed, while the cafe will be leased through an Expression of Interest.
The other recreational facilities like a viewing deck, an open-air theatre, an open bridge over the pond, walkways, entry gates, landscaped gardens, gazebos, boundary fencing, compound lighting, and electrical networking, among others, will be constructed in the next phase.
People in the district have welcomed the project, believing it would bring huge economic opportunities while creating a conducive and inclusive living environment for people from all walks of life.
“As the Gelephu Mindfulness City takes shape, the Economic Hub will attract guests from the GMC, giving them a place to explore and take photographs. I believe the space will become one of the district’s major tourist attractions in the future. The facility will benefit people for many years, and students can use canopies as a comfortable space for studying,” said Om Prakash, a resident.
Mendrelgang Mangmi Tshering said, “The district’s plan to construct an Economic Hub is a good decision. The centre will benefit both local youths and travellers travelling along the Gelephu and Thimphu highway as Tsirang stands in the centre. Therefore, the space will definitely benefit youths and be a convenient stopover for highway commuters.”
“All the gewogs have been working closely to promote tourism in the district. In the current plan also, we have initiatives to attract tourists. We are optimistic that the ongoing Economic Hub project will further help attract both domestic and international visitors,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, the chairperson of the Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Once completed, the Economic Hub is expected to further enhance Damphu town as a vibrant community destination while offering additional public space for visitors.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
