𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭

…𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒖𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒔, 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔

By Kinzang Lhamo

Every monsoon, residents of Getana and Bongo Gewogs in Chukha face dangerous challenges when roads are blocked or washed away, cutting them off from basic services. The absence of permanent bridges, especially at key points like Badina, leaves communities isolated for weeks. Without access to proper transport, many villagers experience delays in receiving medical care, with some cases reportedly leading to loss of life.

While helicopters are sometimes the only option during extreme conditions, the cost remains far beyond the reach of most families. The impact of this isolation extends beyond healthcare. Children are unable to attend school, patients cannot reach health centres, and local officials face difficulties in delivering public services. Two schools, three other educational institutions, and several government offices depend on this vulnerable stretch of road. Each year, the monsoon damages the route, interrupting their operations and revealing the limitations of past interventions.

Residents and local leaders have repeatedly called for the construction of Bailey bridges at Badina and demanded updates on the progress of the Chukha Getana to Dagana Dorona Road. For thousands living in these areas, the road is not just a connection but a lifeline to services, safety, and economic opportunities.

Despite multiple appeals and government assurances, the communities say they continue to see temporary solutions rather than lasting improvements. During the 10th, 11th, and 12th Five-Year Plans, significant funds were allocated for short-term measures, including the installation of home pipes across streams and rivers. These pipes, often installed quickly, are easily dislodged by rising water levels during the monsoon. Villagers frequently resort to using rocks and soil to repair these crossings themselves, creating unsafe routes for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Tandin, a villager from Getana, shared his daily experiences. “We face many challenges because there is no bridge, even though the road is there. We use a temporary path made with home pipes, but when the water level rises, the pipes get washed away. For weeks, we have to block the hole with rocks and soil just to get through.” He added that during the rainy season, the poor road condition forces people to carry heavy loads uphill, as vehicles are unable to pass through the muddy and damaged areas. “If the government could construct a bridge here, it would be a huge relief for us. It would help not only in day-to-day movement but also during emergency situations. Right now, summer travel is our biggest struggle,” he said.

Kinley, the Gup of Getana Gewog, said that the area where the bridge should be built is often washed away during summer floods. He explained that it takes weeks or even months to restore the site to a usable condition. “In emergencies, it is very difficult to respond. For schools too, we have to carry vegetables and necessary supplies, but we often fail to deliver them on time.” He further pointed out that despite efforts by the Department of Road Transport and Safety to clear roadblocks and build retaining walls, the heavy rains frequently damage or destroy them. “Vehicles are unable to pass, which halts the marketing of our agricultural products. Electricity supply is also affected, and that puts hospital medicines that need refrigeration at risk. Grocery items are delayed in reaching the villagers. If a proper bridge is built, I can assure you that all these problems will be solved,” he said.

Tshering Penjor, Gup of Bongo Gewog, described the condition of the makeshift crossing that currently connects the two gewogs. “The bridge between Getana and Bongo mainly falls along the Getana Gewog Centre road. At the moment, they have temporarily fixed the crossing using pipes, but this solution may not serve the gewog for long, especially during summer when the river swells.”

Responding to these concerns, Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, stated that the Department of Surface Transport has prioritised improvement of the Getana Dzongkhag Road. According to him, works are scheduled to be carried out in the second phase of the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. He added that a vented culvert had already been constructed using funds from the monsoon restoration budget. Considering the terrain and the volume of water the area receives during the rainy season, the ministry is confident that the new structure will manage the flow effectively. “We are also monitoring the area closely during the monsoon to ensure smooth traffic and reduce inconvenience to the public,” he said.

Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung also explained that the larger Chukha to Dagana road project has been recognised as a crucial inter-dzongkhag connection and included in the 13th Five-Year Plan. The government has proposed funding for the project under the Government of India’s Project Tied Assistance. In March 2025, a joint feasibility study was carried out by the Department of Surface Transport, Chukha Dzongkhag Administration, and local government representatives.

The preferred alignment identified in the study covers a total length of approximately 90.41 kilometres. This includes 59.34 kilometres of new road and 30.57 kilometres of existing farm road to be upgraded. The route will require the construction of nine bridges and spans elevations ranging from 1,031 to 3,694 metres above sea level. The Minister said that the estimated cost to construct the road to Secondary National Highway standards is Nu. 3,676.60 million. However, he noted that the final cost will be confirmed following detailed surveys, environmental assessments, and preparation of a Detailed Project Report.

“We are committed to ensuring a sustainable solution for this vital route,” he said.
Although the plans have been received with cautious optimism, villagers and local leaders are calling for greater transparency, community involvement, and timely implementation. Many remain concerned that these proposals may not translate into action, as has happened in the past.

For communities like Getana and Bongo, the bridge and the road are not just infrastructure projects. They are vital to education, healthcare, and livelihoods. They are essential for children to attend school, for farmers to reach markets, and for patients to receive timely medical treatment.

While the people are hopeful that the current proposals will result in lasting improvements, they remain wary. After waiting through three development plans, they now enter a fourth with uncertainty. As another monsoon season begins, the risks once again rise. Without timely and effective action, the cycle of damage, delay, and danger is likely to continue.

The people of Getana and Bongo are not asking for luxury. They are asking for reliable access, safe passage, and a chance to live without fear that their connection to the outside world will vanish with the next storm.