Local leaders in Tsirang are urging authorities to expedite necessary development works for Local Area Plan 1 of Damphu town. Construction in the area has been stopped since 2002. The recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu raised concerns over the prolonged delay in development works, including the plotting and construction of access roads within LAP 1.
The LAP 1 covers over 140 acres, from the Druk Petroleum Corporation’s fuel depot to Damphu Central School.
With private constructions restricted for over two decades, parts of the area today remain covered in bushes. The Damphu Thromde Ngotshab stated that a survey was conducted in 2012.
She added that the restriction of private constructions has caused major inconveniences for plot owners, forcing many to live in rented houses.
“It is not much of a problem for individuals with larger landholdings, as they are allowed for private constructions. But it is inconvenient for those individuals who own 13-15 decimals of land. They have invested huge amounts to buy land to build houses,” said Dema Dukpa, Thromde Ngotshab, Damphu, Tsirang.
During the meeting, other members said expediting the LAP development works would boost the district’s economic growth, as the area is located along the highway.
“If we want Tsirang to develop, it is high time we begin the LAP development works. After the deliberation, the house must see if a budget for the LAP development can be included in the next financial year,” said Shiva Lal Karaiya, Pungtenchhu Gup, Tsirang.
“The district administration has been working to initiate the development work. The house needs to pass a resolution and forward it to the relevant ministry to expedite the work,” said Chabi Kumar Rai, Patshaling Gup, Tsirang.
“The Gelephu Mindfulness City is coming up. If we don’t develop the Damphu town and Tsirang as a whole, there is a risk that people will blame us. Therefore, it is important to allocate a budget to conduct a survey and land pooling works,” said Top Nath Acharya, Semjong Gup, Tsirang.
“Plot owners have been paying urban taxes, but they don’t receive urban facilities. This makes it important to prioritise the LAP development works at the earliest,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, Chairperson, Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Some plot owners told BBS that if the construction is allowed, it would help them to generate income by renting out their houses.
“Plot owners have gathered construction materials on their respective plots. Because of this, some of us don’t have access to road facilities. We have to carry essential items on our backs from the nearest road point since we have to park our vehicles away from our houses,” said Sonam Dukpa, Plot Owner, LAP 1, Damphu Town, Tsirang.
Meanwhile, the officiating district engineer said that the LAP development work has been delayed due to budget constraints, as it requires a huge budget.
Tsirang district administration allocated a budget in the last financial year, but it was not even enough to carry out some minor works.
The official also said that the district administration last year wrote to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport proposing a budget of Nu 160 M and requested technical support for the project.
“As proposed by the district administration, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has initially prioritised a budget for eight districts, including Tsirang. But the ministry had later deprioritised due to a shortage of budget. However, we were informed that the ministry is exploring funding from other sources,” said Rinchen Leyda, Officiating District Engineer, Tsirang.
After lengthy deliberations, the house directed the district engineering sector to follow up on the budget with the ministry.
For now, plot owners in the area will have to adjust to the current inconveniences and situation.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Tshering Zam
