Eco-lodges are proving to be a promising business in various districts in the country. Inspired by visits to these existing eco-lodges, a group of villagers at Norbugang Gewog in Pema Gatshel are in the process of starting an eco-lodge near the Gongri river. The initiative aims to help the villagers generate income and promote tourism.
Some of the construction works started earlier this year.
Today, the six-member group has constructed a meeting hall and a toilet.
They have yet to start the construction of other infrastructure including rooms as they are waiting for the designs and plans from the district administration.
The group members visited eco-lodges and homestays in Chhukha and Haa to gather ideas and knowledge.
“We are waiting for the master plan. We are supposed to construct the infrastructure according to the plan,” said Dorji Wangchuk, the group leader of Gongribalay Eco-lodge.
Pema Gatshel Dzongda Tashi Dawa recently visited the site and met the members.
The Dzongda emphasised that enough budget has been spent on capacity building and consultations, but there is limited progress at the site.
He asked the group to submit a work plan with a six-month target and that the budget would be released accordingly.
“Initially, we have to target the people of three gewogs and visitors visiting Nganglam. Then, we need to target the visitors from Assam. After that, we have to talk with tourist agents and they will bring in their guests for bird watching and river rafting.”
“We were told to do everything within six months with support from the district administration. We are happy to take up the project to the fullest,” said Dorji Wangchuk, the group leader.
By promoting eco-friendly practices to visitors and connecting them with nature, the group expects that the eco-lodge would help promote sustainable tourism in Norbugang.
The project is funded by HELVATAS-Bhutan, the Department of Local Government and Disaster Management, and the district administration.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
