With only a month to complete the 11th Plan, Samdrupjongkhar has achieved 46 of the 56 targets it set in the current plan.

Samdrupjongkhar dzongdag, Tharchen Lhundup, said five targets are on track and bear no risk during the terminal meeting on June 9. “The other five are at risk, meaning non-achievable.”

It was reported that a total of 81 farm roads measuring 335kms and one gewog centre road spanning 34kms were constructed in the 11th Plan. A total of 35 farm roads running 200kms were also maintained and eight gewog centre roads measuring 83kms were blacktopped in the current plan.

Four central schools were opened in the dzongkhag and two central schools will also be established in the next plan. Three grade I basic health unit (BHU) and 10 grade II BHUs including two sub-posts at Sarjung and Samrang (Wooling) were also opened in the current plan with 10 doctors and 53 nurses.

In the agriculture sector, the dzongkhag produced 3,789 metric tonnes (MT) of rice, 9,140MT maize, 800MT buckwheat and 135MT wheat, among others. “Religious sentiments hinder livestock production,” the dzongdag said.

The dzongkhag received 27 power tillers and installed 55 electric fencings measuring 179km in the current plan. All 11 gewogs at least have a solar fencing. Six sanam tshongkhangs were also established in the gewogs.

According to the report, the dzongkhag has constructed three new lhakhangs and renovated 31 lhakhangs while eight new choetens were constructed and 42 choetens renovated. The dzongkhag has also created employment for 164 people in the current plan.

Tharchen Lhundup said the constructions of hostels in Garpawoong HSS and tuberculosis treatment unit could not be completed and will spill over into the 12th Plan.

Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar