𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐆𝐒𝐁 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚

…𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒖 12.56 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕

By Lhendup Wangmo

The Granular Sub-Base (GSB) layer is being laid as part of essential road strengthening to improve durability during the monsoon, ease transport for farmers, and make commuting safer for students and villagers. Proper drainage and compaction at this stage are seen as crucial to prevent erosion and future road damage.

The ongoing GSB works from Zinchella Zero to Tisgarey Farm Road in Tsangkha, Dagana, mark a development long awaited by the community. For years, the narrow and rough stretch has posed challenges for farmers transporting produce, students commuting to school, and villagers seeking timely access to health services. With the works now underway, residents expect smoother travel, lower transport costs, and better market access for agricultural produce. The project is also creating temporary jobs for local residents, offering short-term economic relief.

At the same time, the works have raised questions of accountability and sustainability. Villagers and local leaders say they want public resources used effectively so the road can withstand monsoon rains and heavy use. Environmental concerns have also been raised, as the farm road crosses fragile slopes, prompting calls for proper drainage and slope protection to reduce erosion and landslides. For women and schoolchildren, the improved road is expected to provide safer and more reliable journeys, while shopkeepers and small business owners anticipate increased economic activity once the road is completed.

The project, led by the Dzongkhag Administration in Dagana, covers a 6.3-kilometer stretch from Zinchella Zero to Tisgarey Farm Road. It is funded under the High Impact Community Development Project Phase I at a contract amount of Nu 12.56 million and is scheduled to run from September 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The project is expected to improve rural connectivity and benefit two chiwogs and one village along the route.

Tsangkha Gup Neuli Tshering said the project was a much-needed intervention. “This road has existed for some time, but the GSB layering was necessary to improve its condition and ensure durability. The works will directly benefit two chiwogs and one village, and since the route also passes through His Majesty’s Kidu land, proper maintenance will be prioritized to keep the road in good condition,” he said. He added that the improved surface is expected to ease travel for farmers, schoolchildren, and residents who have long faced challenges due to poor road conditions, especially during the monsoon.

The Gup said the project represents not only better rural livelihoods and market access but also a commitment to strengthening infrastructure in remote gewogs.

Sangay Dorji Tamang, Mangmi of Tsangkha Gewog, said gewog officials are closely monitoring the progress. “Since this is a project for two chiwogs, we are keeping strict oversight of the works. For now, the villagers are happy that the long-awaited road improvement has finally begun,” he said.

Nidup Dorji, Tshogpa of Zinchella, said the works would directly improve the lives of households in his chiwog. “Before, the road was already there and in fair condition, but the maintenance and GSB layering will make a big difference. Around 70 households will benefit directly, especially farmers who depend on this road to take vegetables and oranges to market. It will also help students who walk or travel to schools in the gewog and make it easier for people to reach the health center without delays during the rainy season,” he said.

Hasta Bdr Pokwal, a villager of Zinchella chiwog, said, “During the monsoon, the road has no proper drainage, and traveling becomes extremely difficult. Vehicles often get stuck, and even walking along the road is risky. Once the road condition improves with the GSB works, we expect more vehicles to ply the route, and it might even allow us to use light vehicles safely. This will make it much easier for farmers to transport their produce to the market, for students to reach schools on time, and for families to access the hospital during emergencies. Overall, the upgraded road will make daily life safer and more convenient for all of us in the chiwog.”

Ganga Ram Orari, another villager of Zinchella chiwog, said, “There will be many advantages once the road is improved. Previously, poor drainage made the road conditions difficult, and even our paddy fields were sometimes damaged during heavy rains. After the GSB layering and proper drainage, we expect that agricultural produce and livestock can be transported safely and more efficiently. Before, blockages caused problems after harvest, but with the upgraded road, these issues will be reduced, and farmers will be able to sell their crops on time. Overall, the improvements will benefit agriculture, livestock, and daily life in the chiwog.”

Residents and local leaders say that as the works progress, the project will demonstrate how well planning, implementation, and oversight can bring practical benefits to rural communities. Many see it as an important step in improving livelihoods, strengthening connectivity, and supporting the future development of Tsangkha Gewog.