The Sokporong Menchhu in Dungmaed Gewog of Pema Gatshel is well known among the people in the community and nearby gewog for its healing benefits such as cure from skin related diseases and Urinary Tract Infection. But, not many people can visit the Menchhu due to the remoteness of its location and lack of road connection.
With the motive to revive the mineral spring water, residents are now requesting road connectivity and other basic amenities at the Sokporong Menchhu.
People have to walk for almost three hours from the nearest road point to reach the Sokporong Menchhu. With no road connection and a proper path to the Menchhu, they have to walk along the Sokporong river and cross several streams on their way to the mineral spring water.
“In the past, we use to go there frequently. But not now, since we don’t have horses to carry our loads, we have not been able to go and visit the Menchhu. I will visit the place once a road is connected to the area,” said Go Zangmo one of the residents.
“It takes three hours to reach the Menchhu. It cures skin-related diseases and UTI. Not only that, but it also helps people with bleeding issues. In the past, we used to visit the Menchhu a lot. Now, if a road is connected, I am willing to stay there for weeks,” added Deki Chezom, another resident.
“If the government and gewog administration support us with the construction of a road and a shelter at the Menchhu, it will immensely benefit us. It will also benefit those who aspire to visit the Menchhu area. Not only that, the road will also benefit the landlord who is residing along the stream,” said Thinley Jamtsho, The Tshogpa of Bangyul-Migkuri chiwog.
However, the gewog administration has plans for the Menchhu area in the upcoming Five-Year Plan.
“Menchhu is located in the forest and it is very far from the village. Moreover, there is no proper place for a night halt. That is why people are not showing their interest to visit the Menchhu these days. However, we have been discussing these matters and accordingly trying to find out a solution as well. I hope, the villagers will support us too,” said Ugyen Tshering, the Gup of Dungmaed Gewog.
Likewise, the gewog administration is also in talks with the National Institute of Traditional Medicine to conduct a study on the benefits of the mineral spring water.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
