The renovation of Changyul Bum Galem’s house, set to commence this year, has come as a good news for the homeowner, who is also a descendant of Galem. The deteriorating condition of the house made it challenging for her and her children to continue living there. So, they moved out about ten years ago. However, Germany is now funding a project to restore the house. Due to its cultural and architectural significance, the Department of Culture advised the owners not to undertake any major renovations.
Namgay Zam, the current owner of the house and a descendant of Galem said that the renovation was long overdue considering its dilapidated condition.
“We cannot even imagine renovating this house on our own. It would mean dismantling it down to the ground. So, we are grateful to the government for initiating the renovation work for our ancestral home. Also, the government’s assurance of sharing the income generated from visitors with us would not only help us now but also greatly benefit our children in the future.”
The restoration plans include the construction of a museum, a café, and an altar. Outside the structure, there will be a footpath and streetlights. However, the original appearance of the structure will stay the same.
“Germany has a long tradition of restoring buildings in a very thorough way. We don’t exchange things, we keep as much of the old structure as possible. I have spoken to the chief engineer who oversees the restoration. My feeling is that the Bhutanese side has also a very good tradition on how to restore, keep and preserve the traditional and cultural heritage of Bhutan,” said Philipp Ackermann (PhD), German Ambassador to Bhutan.
During the Meet the Press session in March this year, Home Affairs Minister Tshering said that a budget of Nu 17.M has been allocated for the renovation of the house.
The amount will be provided by the Federal Government of Germany and Pro Bhutan Germany, a German-based non-governmental organisation that has completed several major projects in Bhutan.
Recently, the German Ambassador to Bhutan, Philipp Ackermann visited Punakha to inspect the site.
“When we were approached whether we would be ready to support the restoration of this house, after examining the situation, we said with great pleasure, yes, because I think it makes a lot of difference for the Bhutanese cultural landscape if this house gets a museum if this house gets accessible for the public and not least, it is also for the tourism, a very important factor. So I think when you see the tourist infrastructure of Punakha district, this house will play an important role in the development.”
The renovation date has not been finalised yet. However, according to Punakha district’s work plan, it is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
The centuries-old house is synonymous with the tragic love story of Gasa Lamai Singye and Changyuel Bum Galem, Bhutan’s version of Romeo and Juliet. The building which is still standing is one of the tourist attractions in Punakha.
Samten Dolkar & Changa Dorji
Edited by Sonam Pem
