Works to restore Drukgyal Dzong in Paro have begun. The Dzong, constructed in the 17th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, lay in ruins. Restoration works were started this year Upon the Command of His Majesty the King.
Officials from the Department of Culture under the Home Ministry are currently carrying out archaeological survey and research of the Dzong. The preliminary works entail detailed information of the structure and its surroundings from the first time it was built till now.
“Our main target is to research the layout of the Dzong, to find out how it was in the beginning, and then what kind of changes were made,” said Sangay Kinga of the Archaeological Team.
The archaeological survey started in February and is expected to be completed by this month.
After the completion of the survey, the actual planning and designing works will be prepared.
On another section of the Dzong, a team from the Department of Geology and Mines are also carrying out tests.
“We are checking if the foundation is strong enough to bear the reconstruction works,” said Tashi Dema of Department of Geology and Mines.
This group is setting up their machines, which will test the ground strength by drilling around 30 metres into the earth.
The team have already drilled a hole in one location and have found signs of a strong base. They will drill and investigate four more holes around the Dzong.
The Land Commission is also carrying out the land survey.
Project Manager, Namgay says actual restoration works will start once all these works are finished, which is expected to be sometime in July.
“Once they hand over the works to us, which they are supposed to finish in six months, we will begin the works on the actual Dzong then.”
Namgay says they have almost completed constructing cottages for labourers and will bring in the labours ready to start the work.
Officials say the public could get a glimpse of the outcome at the Royal Flower exhibition, where a model of the restored Dzong is expected to be displayed.
