Until a few years ago, the villagers of Dorjitse and Wungchhilu in Sarpang’s Tareythang Gewog dwelled in thick jungle settlements amongst wild animals. In 2021, on the command of His Majesty The King, the two villages with 25 households were relocated near the Tareythang Gewog Office. Delighted, people have now made the new land their home.
Some people have settled in their new land by constructing houses. Some constructions are ongoing, while others are planning.
The villagers say easy access to basic amenities like roads, electricity, water supply, mobile network, and health care has made their life easy.
People say they cannot thank His Majesty enough for relocating them and keeping them safe from wild animals.
“We had no access to health care services in the previous village. The school was located far away from our village and we did not receive an ambulance on time during emergencies,” said Sunil Rai, a resident of Taraythang.
“We have easy access to road and health care service in times of sickness. Having been located near the gewog office is of immense benefit,” said Sali Maya Rai, another resident.
For the relocation project, over 100 acres of government land was cleared to accommodate the 25 households from Dorjitse and Wungchhilu villages.
Dorjitse was about 10 kilometres away from the Gewog office, while Wungchhilu was about five kilometres away.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji