An important source of livelihood for Sephu Geog in Wangduephodrang is at the risk of drying up.
The people of Sephu, both men and women, are known for the nimbleness of their fingers in weaving cane and bamboo handicrafts.
The bamboo mats and baskets, Bang-chung, La-chung, Bang-thra, Bhe-khur, and Boe-lo woven by the Sephubs are sold to tourists in handicraft shops in Thimphu.
Bamboo grows in abundance in the area and for generations, the Sephubs never had to worry about its supply drying out. There was always more bamboo than they could harvest.
Things have changed now. With more tourists arriving in the country, there is a ready market for handicraft products.
And with more and more farmers heading towards the thick jungles to harvest cane and bamboo, its sustainability has become doubtful.
The Sephubs are worried that in a few years time, there won’t be much to harvest.
The demand for bamboo has also doubled due to the booming construction industry which is struggling to find alternatives for timber.
