The National Council passed recommendations submitted by the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee on renovation and protection of Chortens that were vandalised and destroyed by natural calamities.
According to Bumthang representative, Nima, 761 Chortens were vandalised over the past five years.
The Chhukha representative, Pema Tenzin, suggested that in order to prevent vandalism valuable items like gold, silver and ornaments should be discouraged from using it as Zung.
Some of the members suggested to raise awareness on prevention of Chorten vandalism by educating the public on the laws and offences on vandalism.
Zhemgang representative, Pema Dakpa, said one of the clauses of the Movable Cultural Property Act states that the government would support the cultural properties in terms of conservation and security provided they have thram. He proposed to give directives to the concerned authorities to enforce the Act and register all Chortens under the Thram of a particular area or a Gewog. This, he said, the government would look into the restoration of the Chortens and the community would also extend their help to safeguard Chortens.
The House will submit the recommendations to the government in due course of time.
