Neten Dorji

Mongar— As Mongar town expanded, residents of Changshingpeck and Naling, an eastern settlement, eagerly awaited the changes and opportunities that growth would bring. However, their hopes were short-lived when a construction moratorium was imposed during the development of the local area plan (LAP).

Locals of Naling and Changshingpeg have been waiting for their LAP for over two decades. During this time, some individuals were granted permission to construct permanent structures while others were not.

Currently, no construction is permitted in the Changshingpeg and Naling areas.

Timber, stones, and other construction materials are piled in front of some houses, with timber rotting as they await the finalisation of the LAP.  Residents of Changshingpeg, urging the government to permit the construction of permanent infrastructure, argue that development should progress in line with modernisation.

Leki, 84, is among the many who purchased land in Changshingpeg and have been waiting to build a house.

“We believe that development should be equitable across all communities,” Leki said. “Over the years, we have raised this issue multiple times at the dzongkhag level.”

He added that many residents are awaiting the lifting of the construction moratorium and the finalisation of the LAP.

While residents continue to wait for basic facilities like approach roads, drainage systems, and waste management, many believe that infrastructure development should be permitted.

“Infrastructure development has the potential to greatly transform the community’s economy and improve livelihoods,” said Kezang, another resident.

Kezang added that selling or sub-dividing land is currently not allowed in Naling and Changshingpeg. “This is a major concern, as we need to divide the land among our children,” he said, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by the community.

With the growing population in the thromde, Kezang noted that social change is possible while also meeting the rising demand for housing.

“Rentals and other costs have increased in town. More people and businesses will come here due to the comparative advantages,” he said.

Despite being within the town area, there are no road connections or basic facilities. Five households below the highway have to carry everything on their backs, highlighting the lack of infrastructure.

Residents express concern that, without government intervention, the community will remain stuck with this long-standing issue, unable to move forward.

Pema Choden, a resident, expressed uncertainty about whether they belong to the thromde or the gewog. “At times, gewog officials ask us to follow their directives, and at other times, the municipality authorizes our activities,” she said. “We are not eligible for subsidized timber, boulders, sand, or the free 100 units of electricity, among other things.”

She further highlighted that, despite paying urban taxes, they are not receiving the same facilities that other town residents enjoy, adding to the frustration of the community.

Residents are questioning why those in Trailing were allowed to construct buildings, while the government and dzongkhag administration have delayed finalising the LAP.

“Powerful and connected individuals are allowed to build houses with three to four-storeyed, while we are not permitted to even construct temporary structures,” one resident said.

Without approach roads, residents continue to face the burden of carrying all their supplies on their backs.

Why the delay?

According to dzongkhag administration officials, the preparation of the Changshingpeg and Naling Local Area Plan was initially delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mongar Dzongdag, Lungten Jamstho, said that the issues would be resolved once the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) reviews the plan. “We are eagerly awaiting the structure plan and remain in constant contact with the MoIT to finalise and implement the LAP.”

The dzongkhag administration held a consultation meeting and submitted the plan for review and approval. While the process was expected to be completed by August this year, no response has yet been received from the ministry.

Lungten Jamstho said that the Changshingpeg and Naling LAP was a priority for the dzongkhag administration. “Once the ministry approves the plan, we also propose to provide basic amenities under the Small Development Programme.”

As per the Mongar Structure Plan, which covers a 20-year period from 2016 to 2040, there are two LAPs: Trailing-Jaraungkhashor and Changshingpeg-Naling. The LAP guidelines require that the plan be reviewed every five years.

The matter has also been discussed in the Mongar Dzongkhag Tshogdu, which has approached the MoIT for intervention.