Houses with traditional thatch roofs are fast disappearing in the country. Thatch roof was common in Dagana and Tsirang in the past. But now people are replacing thatch roof with Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheets.
Today it has become a rare sight. Thatch roofs can now be spotted only in a few villages.
Almost all the houses in the two Dzongkhags have CGI roofs. Even houses that are located more than a day’s walk have CGI roofs. As a result people who know the craft of thatching are becoming rare.
Sar Man Rai from Salamji village in Dagana is using thatch roof. He is one of the few people who know how to make thatch roof. A tall grass, locally known as Sheru, is used to make the thatch roof. People cultivate the grass in the fields. 
“We have to press the grass with a bamboo post and tie it with bamboo. Then the wind will not blow off the roof. If we tie the grass properly, then the roof will last for four to five years,” he said.
The thatching process is labour intensive since it has to be changed periodically. The grass used for thatching is also becoming rare. People therefore prefer CGI sheet over thatch roof. It s now used only by the poorest of the poor.
“When all our neighbours are using CGI roof, it is embarrassing to use thatch roof,” said Mongal Singh Rai of Salamji.
Thatch roof is likely to disappear completely, as most of the villagers are buying CGI sheets. Almost all the people said they are going to replace the thatch with CGI sheets. 
“We don’t have money to buy CGI sheets. Since the grass grows in our village we are using it. But we will use CGI sheets when we have money,” said Sar Man Rai.
“CGI sheet is less expensive. We have to repair the thatch roof every three years. CGI sheet will last till 30 years. Even if we are losing an important culture, I think we can no longer use thatch roof,” said Mongal Singh Rai, adding that the time has changed now.
