The residents of Norbugang are still waiting to have a proper demarcation for the boundary between Norbugang in Pema Gatshel and Panbang in Zhemgang. The local leaders of Norbugang Gewog raised the issue in the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu. They said with unclear boundary, people of Norbugang-Rinchenzor Chiwog have been facing challenges in collecting non-wood products and timber.
Norbugang Gewog had raised the issue in the past Dzongkhag Tshogdu session as well.
Following that, a team from the National Land Commission visited the site and agreed to install a demarcation post along the agreed boundary.
However, this has not happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are more than 70 households in Norbugang-Rinchenzor Chiwog.
Khandu, Norbugang-Rinchenzor Tshogpa said, “as the boundary between Nganglam and Panbang is unclear and we often face problems related to the usage of forestry products.”
Pema Wangda, a resident said “we, as farmers, have to visit the forest to collect non-wood products and timber. However, during these visits, forestry officials from Panbang often come to the area and confiscate our power chains, claiming that we entered their boundary. This causes a lot of confusion for us.”
Samten Norbu, another resident said “We are facing problems. Having proper demarcation of the boundary would be beneficial.”
Due to the problem associated with collecting non-wood products and timber, the issue was once again raised during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu session.
Kinley Dorji, Norbugang Gup said “If the officials from the relevant office visit the site and make it clear, people will have a proper demarcation.”
Drukdra Dorji, Norbugang Mangmi said “There are mines such as dolomite and sand in the area. People in Pangbang claim that we are encroaching on our area and we also claim the same. That’s why there are problems.”
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to write a letter to the National Land Commission.
Similarly, the district’s land record sector has also submitted a letter to the Department of Survey and Mapping through the Dzongkhag Tshogdu recently.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
