Neten Dorji
Samdrupjongkhar—When the Samdrupjongkhar-Trashigang highway was getting widened, the small Narphung town was seen as an obstacle. Most of the structures didn’t meet the 50-feet distance from the road requirement and discussions ensued to demolish the structures.
Shopkeepers however agreed to vacate the small town if the dzongkhag provided them a favourable location. The plan to relocate them was cancelled following His Majesty The King’s command to identify Narphung as a satellite town during a visit in 2014. Spread over two acres of land, there are about 15 shop owners residing in Narphung who received kidu plots.
The temporary structures in Narphung stand along the highway, serving as a popular stopover. Small shops sell varieties of local products like bamboo products, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.
Half of the town falls in Gomdar gewog, while the other half is in Orong gewog.
Gomdar Gup Karchung said residents were happy that they were not relocated. “People were very grateful to His Majesty the King,” he said. “As a stopover, they do brisk business in Narphung selling organic products.”
The Samdrupjongkhar Dzongkhag administration directed plot owners to start construction on their allotted plots. However, more than a year after receiving (ownership certificates), the 15 plot owners could not start construction. Residents have requested a deadline extension saying the year is not an auspicious year to start construction activities.
Gerchu La, a 64-year-old business owner, expressed reservations about starting construction. “I have collected construction materials and I am ready to start construction, but I am waiting for the inauspicious year to end,” he said.
Another plot owner, Cheki, said her construction would depend on the readiness of her neighbours, as they have to build conjoined buildings due to the size of the plots.
“Most of the residents are readying by gathering construction materials. The biggest concern is the water shortage since we need enough water for house construction,” she said.
Gup Karchung said that the water shortage will be addressed as two gewogs have conducted surveys and allocated budget for water supply.
Dzongkhag officials said that two-storied houses could replace the temporary sheds.
“We have completed all formalities, such as obtaining approval from the land commission, conducting public consultations, and plotting. Now it is up to the owners to start constructing the houses.”
Clustered, old and traditional, the Narphung town along Trashigang-Samdrupjongkhar highway started as a trading centre and tea break point for travellers in the late 1960s. The town is vulnerable to disasters, especially fire.
Residents have realised this and are asking for safety measures.
“We had disasters in several towns like Bumthang and Wamrong. We are aware of the disaster,” a resident said.
Most structures are old and some are vulnerable to fire and other natural disasters.