The Dzongkhag Administration of Trashiyangtse and residence of Doksum are embroiled in conflict over the iron chains of a 500-year-old Chazam. While the Dzongkhag has decided to keep the iron chains in a Lhakhang, the public wants the historic Bridge to be rebuilt.
The chazam or the iron Bridge is said to have been built by Drupthop Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th Century. The Bridge connected the people of Trashigang and Trashiyangtse when there was no road network in the country. It was also an important tourist destination, until it was brought down in 2004. The Bridge was dismantled for a renovation. However, the renovation plan has been dropped. “The plan changed after the government decided to relocate the Doksum town,” said the Tashiyangtse Dzongda, Sangay Duba
The Bridge’s chains were in the Dzonkhag store till now. Part of it has been taken to Paro.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdue decided to move the chains to Gom Kora Lhakhang for a time being. The chains will be later moved to a Thangthong Gyalpo Lhakhang, which will be constructed once Doksum town is relocated.
But the local residents want the Bridge to be reconstructed to its former glory. “Our only suggestion is to restore the Bridge in order to preserve our historical site. In that way we can pass our ancient history to our children,” said Sangay, a local resident. “The Bridge is an important Nangteen for us,” Dhendup, a shopkeeper said.
