If you have land in Kilkhorthang Gewog in Tsirang which has been left fallow, you will have to clear the bushes annually henceforth. This is one of the resolutions passed by the gewog administration during the recent Gewog Tshogde. It is to curb the human-wildlife conflict in the gewog.
It is common to see fallow land covered in thick bushes and trees in Dekiling chiwog of Kilkhorthang. Dekiling is about two kilometres from Damphu town. While the majority of fallow land is meant for house construction a few acres are also left as Gungtong.
People buy land in the gewog for future use because of close proximity to Damphu town. But currently, without any developmental works taking place, the plots have become home to wild animals affecting the nearby residents who depend on farming for livelihood.
“Thick bushes become a problem to the farmers residing nearby. Firstly, wild animals like wild boar and deer damage our crops by taking shelter in the bushes day and night. Secondly, we often see youth in groups visiting nearby bushes and consuming drugs,” said Chandra Prasad Khandal, the Dekiling Tshogpa.
“Landowners who are residing in other districts never come to clear bushes. We are worried that wild animals may attack us one day. We are happy and less worried now since landowners will have to clear bushes annually starting this year,” said Goma Devi Pokhrel, a farmer in Kilkhorthang Gewog.
The gewog has over 1,200 acres of wet and dry land. Of it, over 150 acres are left fallow. The Kilkhorthang Gup said the resolution is timely as human-wildlife conflict is not yet a major problem in the gewog.
As per the Land Act, the local government has the authority to issue a written notice calling landowners to occupy unused land.
“Even if landowners can’t cultivate crops, they should at least clear bushes annually. The initiative would help the country’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency. It is also a mandate of respective gewog administrations to combat human-wildlife conflict to create a safe place for farming,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, the Kilkhorthang Gup.
The initiative is expected to encourage over 550 residents in the gewog to continue to make their living from farming and livestock production.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Phub Gyem
