Township: The people of Jomotsangkha could not have been happy when the dzongkhag tshogdu endorsed Samdrupcholing as Samdrupjongkhar’s yenlag (satellite) thromde earlier this year. But with developmental activities going on in the town, the locals are hopeful that benefits of township development could reach them as well.
Construction and widening of roads, drainage system, installment of streetlights and water supply projects have been going on in Jomotsangkha.
Recently, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay graced the salang ceremony of a road between Jomotsangkha and Samdrupcholing.
“Developmental activities are going on, but we hope they will demarcate the plots soon so that we can start the construction of houses and develop shops,” PT Tamang, a local resident, said.
About 165 acres of land was identified for the new town that starts from the border check post to the present town.
“Of course there are changes in Jomotsangkha. The street lights are coming up but we feel the government should work quickly to bring in more development,” Padam Bahadhur Dullal said. “We’re hoping that when the internal road comes, movement will increase, which is why it’s important the township is implemented soon.”
Dungpa Lamdra Wangdi said: “We’ve written to the works and human settlement ministry and are waiting for the response so that they can start the demarcation as soon as it’s finalised.”
As per the structural plan, the town will have institutions, recreation centres, commercial and residential areas. A total of about Nu 13.2 million was allocated for water, road and streetlights developments funded by government and small development programme.
“But if LAP is finalised we can start the work by this financial year only,” said Lamdra Wangdi.
Yangchen C Rinzin | Jomotsangkha