More than two years after a devastating flood in the early hours of August 26th washed away all its structures, the Gasa Tshachhu has been restored to its former glory or even made better. The new-look Gasa hot spring can accommodate up to 180 people at once and has been fitted with uniquely designed ponds and sheds. The reopening of the popular Gasa Tshachhu was held yesterday (14/10/2023).
When the Mochhu broke its bank on the 26th of August in 2021, it washed away all the Tshachhu ponds and their structures, including a chorten nearby.
The flood left a Nu 4 M worth of structural damage and put a halt to the local economy. Restoration works began in March of this year and more than Nu 33 M was spent on the project.
The unique ponds and sheds are accompanied by public toilets, showering areas and dressing rooms. However, there are no shops, resting facilities, or rooms for people with disabilities at the site.
The new hot spring has eight ponds in the two sheds for the public and one pond each in the two VIP sheds. Likewise, unlike in the past, ponds for males and females have been allocated separately.
The hot spring will be open round the clock with a power supply and enough space.
“We have four ponds for men and four ponds for women, both in separate sheds. Each pond can accommodate about 25 people. So, 80 can soak at once in the shed for women and 100 can soak in the men’s shed. So, around 180 people can soak at once in the hot spring,” said Dorji Gyeltshen, the Gasa Dzongrab.
The hot spring was washed away twice by the Mochhu. The river has now been diverted to prevent similar incidents in future. The district administration carried out the hot spring restoration works.
“The hot spring temperature is the same as before at the source. But since the current ponds are a bit far from the source, the hot spring temperature in the ponds is a little low compared to previous ponds. We found the original sources and got new ones too,” said the Dzongrab.
Thousands of people from across the country visit the hot spring.
The Gasa Tshachu is believed to cure skin problems, joint pains, and digestive disorders among other health complications.
According to the district administration, the guest house at the Tshachhu area fetches around Nu 2.5 M annually and the closure of the Tshachhu since the flood has incurred a loss of about Nu 7 M.
“We have constructed retaining walls using boulders along the Mochhu. We have plans to construct canopies, a recreational area, a parking lot, and to install street lights in future,” said Choki Tshering, the Development Regulatory Officer of Gasa.
Meanwhile, the people are delighted that the famous hot spring is once again up and running.
“I could not soak in the Tshachhu for more than two years and I got sick quite often. I had to visit the hospital several times. Now that the Tshachhu has been inaugurated, I am really happy and I am hoping my illnesses will reduce,” said Ugyen from Gasa’s Khatoed Gewog.
“I was deeply saddened when the Tshachhu was washed away and remained closed for two years. I was worried about how the restoration will be done and if it will ever be restored during my lifetime,” said Lhamo, another resident of Khatoed.
The Tshachhu is one of the biggest contributors to Gasa’s local economy.
Changa Dorji
Edited by Sherub Dorji
