Since 2015, 22 women have been making a living from selling garments from temporary sheds near the Gelegphu vegetable market. However, Gelegphu Thromde has asked them to dismantle and vacate the area by the end of this month. The Thromde plans to construct a new two-storied vegetable market in that area.
These women are mostly divorced and their only source of income is from selling garments. They have been operating the business from the area for the last six years without paying land tax to the Thromde.
They said that the former Thrompon had allotted them the current location in 2015. The sheds were constructed by themselves.
However, with Thromde notifying them to vacate by the 31st of this month, they are worried.
“Thromde should provide us with a new place for our business. By staying idle at home, we will starve. We have been sustaining our livelihood through this business,” said Sunita Kharki, a garment seller.
“It would of immense benefit if the government could look into our problem,” said Binata Tiwari.
“We have no other place to move. We all are from economically disadvantaged family and we run our home from this business,” said Choni Zangmo who is also into the garment business.
Meanwhile, the Gelegphu Thrompon said they are looking for a new place to operate the business. But it is expected to take some time.
However, he said the thromde will try to facilitate a temporary location if possible.
The Government of India is funding the construction of the new vegetable market costing Nu 44 M.
Once it is complete, the present vegetable market will be dismantled. The area will be converted into an open area entertainment theatre.
Karma Wangdi, Gelegphu
