KP Sharma

The Bumthang dzongkhag administration has issued a final relocation deadline for leaseholders in Chamkhar town, informing them to vacate their premises by September 30, 2024, as the revised lease term expires on August 31.

This time, no further extensions will be granted, as previous deadlines have already been missed for relocating the present township to the new Local Area Plans (LAPs).

The LAPs, which include Dekiling, Jalikhar, and Chamkhar, are the designated areas where residents of the old Chamkhar town are expected to resettle.

These plans have been developed to provide a safer and more organised space for businesses and residents, as Chamkhar’s current location is identified as a flood hazard zone.

The leaseholders in Chamkhar town were previously granted extensions to move to these new areas.

Last year, a one-year extension was provided as kidu to the leaseholders whose businesses were set to be relocated. This extension was a response to their appeal, citing the economic impact of the pandemic and their need for additional time to recover.

However, the dzongkhag administration, in a notification issued on August 26, stated that the leaseholders must now adhere to the terms of the lease agreement.

The dzongkhag administration stated that the Office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon has directed the dzongkhag to ensure that the earlier notification is strictly followed.

The dzongkhag administration has asked the leaseholders to remove all their belongings from the leased land and return the property to its original condition by the end of the agreement term.

It also announced that existing facilities such as water, electricity, and other services will be disconnected after September 15.

Further, leaseholders have been instructed to settle their one-year extended lease rent and clear all pending utility bills by the same date.

Thromde Ngotshab Ugen Sangye said that the new relocation areas are well-prepared to accommodate the businesses moving from Chamkhar town. Thorough assessments have been conducted to ensure the smooth implementation of the relocation plan, he said.

“The new LAPs are equipped with the necessary facilities, and business owners should not face major inconvenience  since essential services like water and electricity are already in place in the new locations,” he said.

Ugen Sangye further highlighted that the relocation plan has been in place for a long time, and the people are well aware of it. Given the extensive preparations and the awareness among the leaseholders, he expects minimal challenges during the relocation process.

The decision to relocate Chamkhar town is mainly due to its vulnerability to floods.

The new townships under the LAPs are designed to offer a safer and more organised environment for both residents and businesses while ensuring the continuity of business operations.