Luari and Serthig Gewogs in Samdrup Jongkhar were connected with road in 2014. But travel to and from the gewogs remains a challenge during monsoon due to swollen rivers.
There are several rivers on the way. During monsoon, some of the rivers become quite big, making it difficult for vehicles to cross over to the other side. It is not uncommon for vehicles to get stuck in the rain-fed rivers.
“When coming from Lauri, we have to cross four big rivers, starting from Zamteri River, and then Jisamri followed by Akuri and Phanguri,” said Tenzin, the Mangmi of Lauri Gewog.
The Gup of Serthig Gewog, Pema Chopel, said the villagers’ plea for bridges is genuine. “A bridge over all big rivers would make the commute between Jomotshangkha Dungkhag and the gewogs easy,” said the Gup.
The Department of Roads has identified four rivers that need bridges. A bridge has already been built over Jomori, while works are underway to build bridges over Yongthi River and Jisamri. The roads department will also build one over Akuri but only next year.
Lauri and Serthig are among the remotest gewogs in Samdrup Jongkhar. Before farm road made its way into the gewogs, people had to walk for four long days to get to their villages.
This has not been necessary following the construction of the 60 kilometre farm road from Jomtshangkha Dungkhag to the Lauri Gewog Centre about four years ago. Today, about 25 kilometres of the road has been blacktopped.
