Denchukha Gewog in Samtse remains cut off after heavy rains washed away the bridge over the Amochhu two weeks ago. Supplies of essential food and animal feed, airlifted ten days ago, are running low. Authorities are now exploring the possibility of constructing a road linking the gewog to Phuentshogling Gewog in Chhukha as an alternative route.
Lingdaen in Phuentshogling Gewog lies nearly 40 kilometres from Phuentshogling town and close to the border with Denchukha Gewog. Villagers say that building a short stretch of road from the current end of Lingdaen Road, along a small stream, would quickly restore vehicle access.
Denchukha Mangmi Leela Dhar Chapagai said, “To connect Denchukha with Phuentshogling, we need to construct less than 700 metres of new road. If the two gewogs are linked, it will greatly help people transport goods, including construction materials. We are coordinating with Phuentshogling Gewog and Dungkhag, and aim to open the route as soon as possible.”
“It would take time to build the bridge that was washed away. With the harvest season for oranges and ginger approaching, road connectivity is crucial. If the road from Phuentshogling reaches Denchukha, it will make a big difference for us,” said Ganga Ram Dahl, a Denchukha resident.
Phuentshogling Gup Birkha Bdr Rai said, “We have been planning to link Lingdaen Chiwog with Denchukha, and this project is a priority in both the 2024–2025 and current fiscal years. The budget has already been allocated. This connection will benefit residents of both Denchukha and Lingdaen significantly.”
The Nu 1 M worth of construction is expected to start soon. Machines have cleared blocked sections of the Lingdaen road and reached the current endpoint.
Once completed, the new road will reduce the travel distance by nearly 30 kilometres compared to the previous route via Dorokha.
With the Amochhu bridge reconstruction likely to take time, villagers see this alternative route as the only viable solution to restore vehicle connectivity to Denchukha Gewog.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sangay Chezom
