The Gelegphu Thromde has written to the works and human settlement ministry to reduce the buffer zone from 500 metres to between 50-80 metres as per the people’s request.
About 150 acres land fall within the buffer zone. And ever since the area has been demarcated as the buffer zone, no construction has been allowed. Only small huts and one-storied houses, which were built long time back, can be seen in the area.
Some of the landowners say if their request comes through, they are hoping to earn some income by constructing houses and renting it out.
“We heard that the buffer zone is going to be reduced and we are happy. So we are making plans for construction,” said a resident of Namkhaling, Purna Bahadur.
Another resident, Maya, said they are hopeful that the government will look into their problem.
The Gelegphu Thromde said there is possibility that the Ministry will reduce the buffer zone and when it happens, the thromde said it will inform the people.