Lhakpa Quendren

Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck graced the serthog installation ceremony at Sarpang Dzong yesterday.

Yonten Lopen, Trulku Namgyel of the Zhung Dratshang, presided over the ceremony.

The construction of the new dzong, set to finish by December 2024, is 75 percent complete. Structural and architectural aspects have been completed, except for the Kuenrey, where foundation work has just been finished.

Project manager, Sangay Kinga, said that mural painting and sculpture creation for the relics have commenced. “We expect the results in the coming months. The project must be finalised and handed over within a year.”

Construction of the Sarpang Dzong was initiated in November 2017

Originally intended for both administrative and monastic functions, the dzong will now serve as the administrative hub for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The construction of administrative blocks has been on hold for over a year to align with new plans.

Sangay Kinga emphasised the significance of the Dzong’s construction for the GMC project. “Work on the administration blocks will restart upon ministry directives. Expect a unique design with swift completion.”

The dzong harmonises traditional exterior architecture with modern interior designs and facilities, catering to both monastic and administrative needs. It features five administrative blocks within its premises. 

Upon completion, the monastic body will relocate to the dzong. The block can accommodate 150 monks and provide living quarters with a spacious residence for the Lam.

The project budget has been adjusted to Nu 1.092 billion from the original Nu 1 billion, funded by the Government of India through Project Tied Assistance (PTA). 

Of this sum, approximately Nu 820 million has been utilised to date.

Construction of the Sarpang Dzong, initiated in November 2017, faced a one-year delay due to the pandemic. 

Managed by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the dzong occupies an area exceeding 11 acres.

Her Majesty granted tokha to the workers engaged in the dzong construction.