Thinley Namgay    

Thimphu dzongkhag administration allowed 46 industries to operate in a self-containment zone.

Upon recommendation from the national covid-19 task force, dzongkhag administration inspected all these industries and allowed to resume after fulfilling Covid-19 safety measures and systematic operating procedure within the individual zone.

Dzongdag Dorji Tshering said that these industries were critical for society and export.

The working time is from 9am to 5pm. Workers from outside are not allowed to visit the zone.

Dzongkhag planning officer, Pema Tenzin, said the Jemina industrial estate itself had around 30 small industries.

“Karma Feed has become a necessity amid lockdown in the whole country. At Gidaphu, dzongkhag has allowed opening lime powder factory which is exporting to Punatsangchhu hydropower project,” said Pema Tenzin.

The dzongkhag Covid-19 task force also asked the management to arrange accommodation for the truckers.

“They have to load and exit on the same day. In case they have to halt, industry themselves should arrange food and lodging for truckers,” dzongdag said.

On an average, 45 export trucks leave from the dzongkhag.

The Gidaphu stone quarry manager, Wangdi, said the market was the main issue amid lockdown and factory was not operating. “Usually we sell our products within Thimphu, but there is no demand at present. Due to lack of income from the stone quarry, all the eight workers were shifted to another factory which produces dolomite powder,” said Wangdi.

There are more than 100 small, medium and large industries in the dzongkhag.