For the highlanders of Lingzhi and Soe gewogs in Thimphu, getting helicopter services these days has become a challenge. During the recent Thimphu Dzongkhag Tshogdhu, the local leaders for these gewogs called for prompt and reliable helicopter services.
It has been around two years since the residents of Lingzhi and Soe gewogs struggled to book helicopter services.
Gewog leaders say that while the residents earlier accessed services within a day or two, they now have to wait several weeks or even months for an appointment.
Although the service has been beneficial, they say residents are growing increasingly frustrated.
Lingzhi Gup Wangdi said, “Drukair tells us we can book a flight, but they cannot confirm a date. Every time we ask, the flights are already booked. It would be faster to walk than wait this long.”
Drukair’s Chief Executive Officer denied any lapse in service delivery, stating that helicopter services remain timely unless hindered by bad weather conditions such as strong winds or low visibility.
He added that emergency flights are prioritised even during bad weather conditions.
Additionally, the local leaders say the people are still waiting for a 60 per cent subsidy on helicopter services as pledged by the government. Currently, residents receive a 50 percent subsidy.
They further urged the government to reinstate the subsidy for civil servants.
Soe Gup Kencho Dorjee said, “Civil servants are key to development in our gewogs. The previous government provided them with a subsidy, but that is no longer available. We request that it be reintroduced.”
In response, the home minister said that a committee under the cabinet is currently reviewing subsidy provisions for residents and is considering a new structure for civil servants, lams, and MPs.
The minister said the civil servants’ subsidy was removed because they already receive Daily Subsistence Allowance and Travel Allowance.
The minister added that helicopter services are expected to improve once the proposed private helicopter services become available.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
