The construction of the farm road to Risa village in Saling Gewog, Monggar is finally going on in full swing after having been beset by delays and setbacks for almost seven years.
The Tshogpa of Kalapang-Risa Chiwog, Kinley, said the rugged terrain was a major hindrance to the construction of the 10 kilometre farm road.
However, the road construction has been going well since works resumed late last year. About 6 kilometers of the road has been built so far. The first 3 kilometres were built between 2009 and 2012, while more than 2 kilometres were built from October last year till date. The remaining stretch of more than four kilometers is expected to be complete by June next year.
As the road reaches the village, the people are hoping it would solve many of their problems and improve their lives. Currently, the villagers of Risa have to walk two hours to get to the nearest road point.
“We have to carry everything ourselves,” said Tshogpa Kinley. “Our village is remote and we are thankful to the government for constructing a road for us.”
Some farmers say the road will enable them to take their farm produce to the market for sale, a task that is challenging at the moment. “Though we grow all kinds of crops, it has not earned us money so far,” said Choden Lhamo.
Another farmer, Selden, shared that even if they take the vegetables to the market, everything wilts in the sun on the way. “If there is road access, we can hire vehicles to take our farm produce to the market.”
The people also hope the road will bring changes in their village and encourage the children to stay back. “Our children, after completing class eight and 10, do not want to live in the village,” shared Selden.
“There are no developmental activities in our village because there is no road,” said Tshewang. “As a result, only the elderly people are left behind.”
With 30 households and a population of over 300, Risa is one of the remotest villages in Monggar.
The road is being built at over Nu 9m. It is funded by the Indian government through the Small Development Project.
