In the remote village of Dorjitse in Sarpang’s Tareythang Gewog, life once felt like an uphill battle, literally. Isolated by steep terrain, poor roads, and lacking basic amenities like electricity and mobile coverage, residents struggled with the daily grind of survival. But after their relocation to Wungchhilu and Dorjitse Singye Dara in 2019, life has taken a dramatic turn for the better, bringing them closer to opportunity and transforming their lives.
Dorjitse, one of the most remote villages in Tareythang Gewog was relocated to Wungchhilu and Dorjitse Singye Dara in 2019 due to its proximity to the then Gyalsung project site in Tareythang.
The move has come as a blessing. The villages are now thriving with easy access to amenities like health, education and groceries at their doorsteps.
“Before the arrival of the Gyalsung project, our previous land was not that fertile, and some even struggled to make ends meet. There was no proper road and electricity supply, and the network coverage was poor,” said Hari Rai, a resident of Dorjitse Singye Dara.
“Our community was situated on a steep terrain and therefore the current village is much better than the previous one. We now have levelled land where we can use a power tiller for farming,” said Prem Bdr Rai, another resident.
“We used to carry things on our back because there was no proper road, no electricity supply, and no mobile tower. Life is better here, with easy access to road and electricity supply,” said Kalpana Rai, also a resident.
The relocation has also done wonders in bringing back people who left the old Dorjitse in search of better pastures.
During the relocation period, Dorjitse had only seven households. Today, Wungchhilo and Dorjitse Singye Dara are now home to 41 households.
Both the villages are near the Tareythang gewog office.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
