Neten Dorji

Samrang—Out-migration is a rising issue in the eastern parts of Bhutan, but Samrang in Samdrupjongkhar presents a different narrative. People who once abandoned their ancestral homes are now returning from urban centres.

Several factors contribute to this reversal, primarily the development that has transformed Samrang. Improved infrastructure, including roads and electricity, has brought peace and prosperity to the once-disturbed villages.

The growing profitability of areca nut and dairy farming also plays a significant role.

In 2016, there were only about 24 households in Samrang, but this number has increased to 204 today. Many families, who had been living in the neighboring gewog of Pemathang for over a decade, are now returning to their ancestral land.

Gewog officials are employing various strategies to encourage this return. At a time when other gewogs face increasing out-migration, Samrang’s story stands out.

The gup, Jigme Singye Drukpa, attributes this success to the facilities introduced since Samrang became a separate gewog in 2011.

“Electricity, roads, and drinking water shortages have been addressed. We are actively encouraging people to return and stay,” he said.

In addition to basic infrastructure, the installation of electric fencing and the revival of irrigation channels are also encouraging people to cultivate previously fallow fields. The new provision in the Land Act, which reclaims unused land for the State after three years, has further impelled residents to return.

“If they return, the gewog will share irrigation channels and help them settle,” said Chandra Bdr Rai. “This will strengthen our security. With development, Samrang has come back to life.”

According to elders, nearly all 264 households left during the 1990s due to southern region issues and elephant conflicts.

“After people left, the land turned into a forest. Connectivity and facilities have brought many people back,” said Dhan Bdr Rai.

Purna Bdr Subha, who left for Thimphu a decade ago, recently returned. “There were no roads, water, or electricity in my village then,” he recalled. “But now, development has made life easier here.” Purna now cultivates areca nut trees on his 50-decimal land.

Birkha Bdr Subha’s story mirrors Purna’s. He left due to elephant conflicts and worked on others’ land in Bangtar. Now, with the availability of facilities, he has returned to his fertile land. “Betel nuts are a blessing. They require hard work, but the returns are good,” he said.

Most residents have now returned, with only those who bought land elsewhere remaining absent. “Besides the booming business, the opening of schools and the arrival of electricity and roads are key factors luring people back,” said Birkha.

Almost all villagers in Samrang gewog engage in areca nut cultivation and livestock farming, making these the main sources of income. “Village life is much easier now. Everything we need is here,” said Dhan Bdr Rai.

Samrang’s experience demonstrates the profound impact of rural development on reversing migration trends, bringing people back to their roots with improved living conditions and economic opportunities.