People in Paro are facing inconveniences in construction-related works and other developmental activities due to the Dzongkhag’s new Development project. Residents say they are facing several challenges due to the restrictions put in place by the Paro Valley Development Plan. The issue was once again discussed in the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
41-year-old Pelzang from Kyidchhu in Lamgong Gewog is a tour operator. But due to the pandemic, he has not been able to run his business. With the tourism sector currently down, he says he wanted to explore other areas of income. He decided to construct a sports facility on his half-acre land and started planning things out. However, the Paro Valley Development Plan put an end to his ideas.
“I am told that my plot falls under the tourism Intensive precinct. I don’t understand how and why. We cannot cultivate anything on this land. The only option is to construct hotels but at this moment, this is not possible. My project will benefit the community and youth with employment opportunities,” said Pelzang.
There are many others like Pelzang who are upset with the project.
At the recent DT, local leaders said there are several problems one of which is not being able to convert wetland into dryland. Some of the gewog offices have been receiving around 20 land conversion applications every month
“After His Majesty granted the land ownership certificates, people have started giving plots to their children. However, it is inconvenient as we cannot convert wetland into dryland even to construct our own home,” said Gem Tshering, the Lamgong Gup.
“Currently, land conversion and developmental activities are not allowed in Paro dzongkhag. This has caused a lot of inconveniences. We hope this will be lifted soon. Or maybe allow construction works in areas which do not fall under the project,” said Lethro, the Doteng Gup.
“Some families need to construct houses immediately to address family problems and financial inconveniences. Therefore, we are writing to the Works and Human Settlement Ministry requesting to lift the restrictions to make it convenient for the people,” said Tshering Dorji, the DT Chairperson for Paro Dzongkhag.
A review team from the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement also recently met with the gups.
“They showed us a presentation and there were many changes made. But there are still a few more alterations needed such as maintaining buffer zones near Lhakhang, highway maintenance and widening and conservation of wetlands among others. We have requested them to relook into these,” the DT Chairperson added.
The twenty-year project was started in 2017. It is envisioned to conserve the significant cultural landscape of the valley and provide infrastructure for solid waste management, water supply and sewerage among others.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
