With the approval of the local area action plan, the Tagtse community in Trongsa is expected to see significant changes in the days to come. About Nu 28 M has been allocated to carry out the developmental works in the 12th Plan.
The cadastral survey of the area took some time, which impeded the developmental activities. However, the district now has an approved budget for various activities to develop the area.
“We have infrastructure development pertaining to sewage and drainage, enhancing the basic road facility. We have also included in the plan to construct waste disposal and ECCD for the public and we have identified reliable water sources so that we do not face major issues in the future,” Phuntsho Rinzin, the Dzongkhag Planning Officer, said.
The landowners have been allowed to construct three-storied houses except for those located near the Tagtse Lhakhang, where only two-storied structures will be permitted. This is because the location has been identified as a heritage site.
“Including the one we had this year, three meetings were conducted so far. During the meeting, we were told that we would be given permission to extract timber and stone, and loans from the banks. So we hope it will be continued,” Rinzin, the Tagtse Tshogpa, said.
“I am ready to start the construction of my house and it is very profitable if we do so because there are many students and teachers on the campus,” Tashi Zangmo, a landowner, said.
“There are a lot of opportunities with the expansion, so many of the residents here are happy with the move,” Nidup Gyeltshen, a shopkeeper, said.
The area action plan is also expected to benefit the College of Language and Culture Studies. At present, about 300 students and teachers stay outside the college campus according to the college management.
“There are no proper roads, drainage or electricity in the community. So if more houses come up, then it will benefit the students. Currently, even teachers face shortage of houses, so they have no choice but to live in houses which are in very poor condition,”Lungten Gyaso, the President of CLCS, said.
At present, there are about 25 shopkeepers and around 60 households in the Chiwog.
The preparation of the action plan began in 2015.