𝐇𝐞𝐣𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬’ 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒔

By Yeshi Dolma

Hejo Market has been a central hub for fresh produce, dairy, and meats, attracting daily customers from Jungshina, Babena, Pamtsho, and residents commuting from Taba and Dechencholing. Before recent urban development works, vendors and customers enjoyed convenient access and ample parking. Now, traders say the new beautification project has made shopping and selling more difficult, affecting livelihoods and causing produce to go to waste.
The ongoing project introduced newly planted flowers, trees, and fencing around the market to improve its appearance. While these enhancements have contributed to cleanliness and greenery, vendors point out that practical concerns such as walkways, entry points, and parking have been overlooked.

Traders report that limited access, reduced parking, and restricted entry points have lowered customer turnout. “In the past at Hejo Market, we could sell one or two trays of curd easily. But now, without a proper walkway, sales have become difficult. If a walkway is built, it will help both the vendors and us suppliers,” said a curd supplier who regularly brings dairy products to the market.

Shopkeepers echo similar concerns. Pema Zangmo, a vendor and mother of three, said, “Before, I could earn between 10,000 to 15,000 ngultrum daily, and on good days up to 21,000. Now, I barely make 2,000. The main issue is the lack of a walkway in front of the shop. With sales down, it’s become hard even to pay rent, and my children’s education in a private school is at risk. That’s why we tried to create a small walkway through the fence without approval. City officials fined us 50,000 ngultrum per shop, though we have negotiated and haven’t paid it yet.”

Vendors farther inside the market report reduced visibility and sales. Jit Bdr, a meat seller, explained, “There is only one entry point, and most customers stop at the first shop. Ours is the farthest, so fewer people come, and we struggle to pay rent. Our meat often goes to waste. We tried to create a small walkway, but city officials told us we would be fined, so we restored the fence. Before the pathway was blocked, I could make between 12,000 and 15,000 ngultrum daily. Now earnings barely reach 2,500 to 4,000. If a small walkway through the fence were allowed, it would really help us.”
Customers also voice frustration with limited access. “Buying vegetables here has become difficult because of inconvenient parking. Before the fence, we could park right below the shops, but now we have to enter from the front, which is especially challenging when it rains. A small walkway through the area would be really helpful,” said a regular customer.

Vegetable sellers report that reduced customer flow has increased wastage. Passang Bidha, a vegetable vendor, said, “Previously, customers could park their cars below the shops and come easily, but now my vegetables are going bad because I can’t sell them. I end up throwing a lot away, making it hard to pay both shop and house rent.”
Even food vendors with steady clientele feel the impact. Tshering G Dorji, a former Tshogpa and food vendor, said, “Before, there was nothing blocking the path and sales were good. Even though I run a fast-food stall and get regular customers, I have seen that vegetable sellers are struggling because there is no walkway. A few days ago, we tried to create a small path through the fence, but Thromde officials said we had damaged it and fined us Nu. 50,000 per shop. Thankfully, after appeals by some community members, we didn’t have to pay. We rebuilt the fence, but if a proper walkway is provided, it would greatly benefit everyone.”

Daily shoppers notice the change in market activity. “I used to buy vegetables here every day, but now it’s become difficult. The green fence blocks the shortcut, vendors are struggling, and goods are easily getting spoiled. Parking is limited, and people without cars have to use the same single route, which makes it harder for everyone,” said a daily customer.

Many vendors emphasize that they are not against development but seek practical adjustments. Kinley Om, a 62-year-old vendor, said, “We are grateful for the government’s support in developing the vegetable market. The market is now beautiful and well-maintained, which makes us feel safe and proud. But compared to the past, customer numbers have dropped because there’s only one entry point and limited parking. We buy vegetables at high prices and add only a small margin, yet much goes unsold and spoils, causing financial loss. If there were more access points and better parking, it would help us sustain our livelihood while ensuring fresh produce for shoppers.”

Officials from Thimphu Thromde explained the fencing’s purpose. “At present, the area is fenced as part of the One Thimphu project to protect and allow the plants to grow. Once they are fully matured, the fencing will be removed, and the space will again be open and accessible to everyone, just as before,” said an official.

While this provides reassurance, vendors say they cannot afford to wait. Temporary walkways, they argue, could alleviate losses until the fencing is removed. Suggestions include creating multiple entry points, building a central walkway closer to the main road, and expanding parking facilities. Vendors stress that such measures would restore customer flow, reduce wastage, and help meet basic expenses such as rent and education. Customers agree that improved access would make it easier to buy fresh produce regularly, ensuring better quality and availability.

The situation at Hejo Market highlights the broader challenge of balancing urban development with daily realities. Beautification projects may enhance a city’s image, but without practical considerations, they risk undermining livelihoods. Vendors and shoppers alike call for inclusive planning that allows both beauty and accessibility to coexist.