𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝

…𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒛𝒐𝒏𝒈’𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕-𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒛𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒈

By Kinzang Lhamo

The plan to construct a new Samtse Dzong has once again been deferred, this time to the 14th Five Year Plan (FYP), leaving local leaders and residents deeply frustrated as the dzongkhag continues to face cramped working conditions, inadequate space for public services, and the separation of the Rabdey from administrative offices.

Despite being one of the country’s most populous and rapidly developing dzongkhags, Samtse still operates from a small administrative structure built in the 1970s. The current building lacks both the architectural character and the functional capacity of a traditional dzong. For decades, the structure has struggled to meet the growing demands of governance and spiritual administration.

“This dzong is not only small and inadequate for today’s needs, but it also lacks the architectural character of a traditional dzong,” said Minjur Dorji, Dzongda of Samtse. “Despite being listed as a priority project since the 11th Plan, it has never received the necessary budgetary support.”

The Dzongda emphasized that the separation of the Dratshang and the Dzongkhag Administration has created challenges in coordinating religious and cultural activities. The absence of a proper Tshechu ground and essential facilities has led to growing operational and cultural challenges in one of the country’s most populous dzongkhags. “Constructing a proper dzong is not just an administrative need; it is a matter of preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring efficient governance for the people of Samtse,” he added.

Local leaders have echoed similar concerns. Phuntsho, Gup of Dopuchen Gewog, noted that Samtse Dzong holds deep cultural and administrative significance, particularly as a border dzongkhag that receives thousands of visitors from neighboring India. “The dzong is not just an office space; it is where we safeguard our traditions and showcase nation’s heritage. Yet, what we call a dzong today hardly resembles one. Its condition is disheartening,” he said.

Frustration over repeated delays is mounting. “We were told the dzong would be prioritized in the 13th FYP, but now it’s been pushed again,” Phuntsho said. “If this delay continues into the 15th Plan, we risk losing not just a building but the cultural identity of one of the country’s most populous dzongkhags.”

The idea of constructing a new dzong was first discussed in 2011, and a formal proposal was submitted in 2013 before being approved under the 11th FYP. During the 12th FYP, 10 acres of land were identified for the new site. This was seen as an opportunity to house both the administration and the Dratshang, with dedicated space for cultural activities such as the Tshechu. The Dzongkhag Tshogdu later passed a resolution to prioritize the project in the 13th FYP. However, the recent decision by the relevant ministry to defer the project to the 14th FYP has left many residents questioning the government’s commitment.

Security and accessibility concerns have also been raised due to the dzong’s proximity to the international border.
Rinzin Drukpa, a resident of Dorokha Gewog, pointed out that while the location may seem manageable today, it poses long-term security challenges. “If the dzong could be upgraded and possibly relocated to a more strategic place like Dorokha, it would be a wise move,” he said, noting that Dorokha is centrally located with a sizable population to support such relocation.

Residents have also highlighted the difficulties faced during religious events. “During important religious festivals, people genuinely want to participate, but because the dzong is far and lacks space, many, especially the elderly, cannot attend,” Rinzin added.

Sonam Dorji, Mangmi of Ugyentse Chiwog, noted that Samtse is developing into a key industrial and economic hub along the country’s southern border, yet the dzongkhag lacks the infrastructure to reflect its progress. “While every other dzongkhag in the country has a proper dzong that houses both the civil administration and the monastic body, Samtse continues to face challenges. Festivals are held in public spaces like football grounds, which is neither appropriate nor sustainable,” he said.

Sonam emphasized that although Samtse Dzong may not have centuries of legacy like Punakha or Trongsa, it carries the modern commitment to cultural preservation and spiritual unity. “A proper dzong is not just a building; it is a symbol of who we are and what we aspire to be,” he said.

Residents from Ugyentse Gewog expressed similar concerns about the limitations of the existing structure. Tshewang from Jarithang village highlighted how the dzong’s outdated appearance leaves a poor impression on visitors from across the border. “It’s not just about appearances; it’s also about functionality. The space is very limited, and we face challenges during important events,” he said.

He added that with two ministers currently serving from Samtse, residents feel represented and hopeful that the long-standing issue of the dzong will finally be addressed. “Among all the needs, we feel that upgrading or reconstructing the dzong should be one of the top priorities, not just for convenience but for the dignity of the place and its people,” Tshewang said.

Tshering Wangchuk from Ugyentse Gewog noted that the current structure lacks the grandeur and space seen in other dzongs across the country, which discourages community participation during tshechus and other gatherings. “It becomes too crowded, and the atmosphere is not comfortable. Many choose not to attend because of the lack of proper facilities,” he said.

He further noted that celebrating festivals at the football ground below the dzong does not reflect the spiritual and cultural significance of such events, especially for children growing up around these gatherings. “Though we call it a dzong, it doesn’t give us the feeling or pride of having one,” Tshering added.

Discussions around developing a sub-dzong in Samtse have also resurfaced, with local leaders arguing it would improve access to essential services, especially in areas far from the main dzong.

Bhim Bdr Rai, Tshogpa of Gebji Kuzhuggang under Dumtoe Gewog, noted that the idea of a sub-dzong has been discussed since the tenure of the first elected government in 2011. “It is important to select an appropriate location for the sub-dzong, especially considering Samtse’s position along the border,” he emphasized.

As Samtse continues to expand economically and demographically, the need for a new dzong and possibly a sub-dzong has become a pressing concern. It reflects the community’s aspirations for infrastructure that aligns with its growth and identity while safeguarding cultural and spiritual heritage.

For now, residents and leaders in Samtse await clarity and commitment, hoping that the promise of a new dzong will move beyond repeated postponements to become a reality in the next plan period. This will help preserve the dignity of one of the country’s fastest-growing dzongkhags while ensuring efficient governance and cultural pride for its people.