Work to renovate the ancient Jamdogoenpa Lhakhang in Bji Gewog of Haa has suffered a major setback. While very close to completion, one of the walls of the Lhakhang collapsed about a week ago. The Department of Culture conducted an assessment to determine the extent of damages and the cause behind the collapse. The report is expected to be out soon.
According to some villagers of Bji Gewog, about 80 per cent of the renovation works were completed before the incident occurred.
Works such as construction of the Lhakhang’s structure and roofing were completed but now almost half of the Lhakhang including the roof has been damaged. Villagers said although there were no casualties, a statue was damaged.
Workers at the site speculate that the collapse might have been influenced by bad weather, and the use of old rammed earth.
The district cultural officer added that old walls were kept to preserve the old paintings, which were among a few in the district.
According to the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, during the initial proposal for renovation, both the Gewog and the Department of Culture agreed to keep the old walls intact.
“I think the structure collapsed as there was moisture accumulated between the old walls and the new ones, and the old walls were not able to bear the weight of the structure. The Lhakhang is very sacred and it is disheartening to see such a collapse,” said Rinchen Namgay, Resident.
“We have spent a lot of money. I think that the problem arose due to the culture department. The old walls collapsed. The new one did not collapse. From the initial stage, we told them that we will dismantle the old ones,” said Tshewang Dorji, Chumpa-Jamgoen Tshogpa.
“When we asked the carpenters and other workers, they said it is due to the old walls which triggered the collapse. We have been working as per the directives from the culture department as they asked us not to dismantle it. We have spent over Nu 10 M. Moreover, villagers and the project coordinators worked tirelessly but now it is disheartening,” said Passa, Tsenka-Talung Tshogpa.
Villagers added that a portion of a wall also collapsed earlier this month.
The Gewog is spending over Nu 12 M to renovate the three-storied Lhakhang. The government is funding the project.
The work started last year and was expected to be completed by next year.
Villagers say the Lhakhang was constructed during the 9th century.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
Edited by Tshering Zam
