𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐞𝐝𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

…𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔, 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊-𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

By Ngawang Jamphel

Residents of Khamoedthang Chiwog, nestled within Phuntshothang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar, persist in voicing their dissatisfaction regarding the dire state of their road, despite ongoing maintenance endeavors. The road, stretching approximately 7 kilometers from the Nyera Ama river bridge to the Chiwog’s terminus, presents formidable obstacles for locals, especially students grappling with perilous conditions during the monsoon and dusty surfaces in the dry spells.

Keshap Bhandari, a local resident, articulates the profound repercussions of the road’s condition on the community. He underlines how the road’s dilapidated state inconveniences residents, exposes them to safety hazards, and impedes economic activities. Of particular concern are the persistent challenges faced by students, prompting worries about their overall well-being and educational prospects.

Moreover, a recent episode during the Puran ritual shed light on the community’s proactive engagement in addressing road issues. Local assistance, including the deployment of a JCB (construction vehicle), was crucial in mitigating some of the road’s potholes, showcasing the community’s willingness to contribute to maintenance efforts.

However, there exists a contrasting view among residents. Karma Namgay, the Tsokpa of Khamoedthang Chiwog, contends that their area receives relatively higher maintenance attention. He cites instances of maintenance work carried out by both the National Resources Development Corporation Limited (NRDCL) and Gyalsung Infra, with the latter undertaking repairs on three occasions. Despite these efforts, heavy traffic from lorries continues to accelerate the road’s degradation, posing a persistent challenge to maintenance initiatives.

“It’s imperative to clarify that the road’s condition isn’t solely attributed to poor maintenance,” emphasizes Tsokpa Namgay. He highlights the frequent landslides that render the road impassable, necessitating swift community responses and support to clear obstructions, particularly during heavy rain showers.

Acknowledging the community’s grievances, Jamyang Dorji, the Gup of Phuntshothang Gewog, acknowledges the challenges faced. He explains the delays in maintenance plans due to budget constraints, which have pushed these plans from phase three to the 13th five-year plan for implementation. Despite this setback, Gewog authorities remain committed to addressing residents’ concerns and actively seek viable solutions.

Another resident, Sonam Wangmo, emphasizes the urgency of improving the road’s condition. “The delay in maintenance plans due to budget constraints is a common challenge for rural communities,” she remarks. “However, improving the road’s condition is paramount to alleviate hardships and ensure safe passage for everyone.”
In response to community concerns, Tshering Dorji, also a resident, stresses the necessity of a comprehensive approach. “Gewog authorities must prioritize resource allocation to expedite maintenance plans and implement sustainable road management strategies,” he asserts. “Collaboration with stakeholders is crucial to mobilize support for effective road maintenance.”

While commendable efforts have been made by NRDCL and Gyalsung Infra, they remain insufficient to counter the rapid deterioration caused by heavy lorry traffic. The use of local resources for construction materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, yet it accentuates the urgent need for holistic solutions to maintain road quality.

Addressing the road’s poor condition necessitates a multi-faceted strategy, encompassing infrastructure investments, community participation, and sustainable management practices. By prioritizing residents’ needs and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Phuntshothang Gewog can surmount challenges posed by inadequate road infrastructure and pave the way for a safer, more prosperous future.

The predicament of Khamoedthang Chiwog’s road serves as a microcosm of broader challenges confronting rural communities grappling with deficient infrastructure. While ongoing maintenance efforts are commendable, they fall short of addressing the underlying issues jeopardizing the road’s sustainability. Urgent action is imperative, not only to enhance road conditions but also to ensure the safety, well-being, and economic prosperity of residents. Through concerted efforts and collaboration, Phuntshothang Gewog can chart a path toward a brighter future, where roads act as conduits for progress rather than impediments.