In Pema Gatshel, Telung village is fast becoming a happening place. It is attracting a lot of visitors including from Monggar. People visit the site to camp and picnic. However, the area lacks infrastructure. The villagers of Telung want the Gewog to revamp the site to uplift their livelihoods whereby they can sell farm produce to the visitors.
Telung village in Dechhenling Gewog is located near the Gongri river. It is almost 30 kilometres from Nganglam toward Monggar. With a beautiful landscape, the riverside has become a preferred picnic spot and campsite.
“People used to camp near the riverside which is below our village. They come here mostly on holidays and other occasions like Diwali,” said Sonam Choden, a resident.
“With better infrastructure, farmers like us will be benefitted. We can sell vegetables and other farm produce. At the same time, it will also benefit the shopkeepers here if the government identifies a place and provides the facilities,” said Tshundu, another resident.
Their wishes seem to be coming true. The Gewog Administration has already allocated a budget to construct a protection wall along the Sokporong stream so that it doesn’t damage the campsite during monsoon. The Dechhenling Gup said for the site development, they will consult with the public, and seek approval and funding from relevant authorities.
“It will be better if the landowners and nearby people could operate it. We are also thinking to provide opportunities to the nearby residents in constructing an ecolodge and other facilities if they can manage it. The Gewog Administration is looking forward to supporting them,” said Jimba Phuntsho, Dechhenling Gup.
The area is also suitable for rafting.
If everything goes as planned, visitors can expect a better experience while more than 50 households in the village can look forward to improved livelihoods.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
