𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐆𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡

…𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑷𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆, 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔

By Lhendup Wangmo

In a heartening display of community dedication, residents of Gakiling Gewog, in Haa specifically the community effort (CEP) groups from Yaukha, have taken the initiative to clear and restore a 2-kilometer footpath between Yaukha and Yuakha Nye, known locally as Tshephamai Nye. For the residents, this pathway is not just a trail, it’s a vital link to an area that lacks a motorable road, serving as the only access point for both people and pack horses. However, deteriorating conditions have made the route increasingly treacherous, even for horses, underscoring the importance of this collective initiative to improve accessibility and community safety.

The footpath clearing began earlier this year and will continue into the coming year as the residents of Gakiling work to make their route navigable once more. This community-driven effort has received additional support from the Gewog administration, which occasionally hires labourers to assist in maintaining the road’s usability. Yet, the primary work of clearing and upkeep falls to the residents themselves, demonstrating their commitment to taking responsibility for their own community needs.

Tempa Rinchen, the Mangmi of Gakiling Gewog in Haa Dzongkhag, has overseen much of the effort and commended the dedication of local residents in organizing into four distinct sub-groups, each with a designated leader to manage resources and coordinate efforts. This organized approach not only maximizes efficiency but also fosters a spirit of shared responsibility and cooperation among villagers.

“The condition of this footpath had worsened to the point where even horses could only manage to get about halfway,” Tempa Rinchen explained. “We realized that something had to be done, so we initiated a plan this year to clear and maintain the path annually. This effort ensures that the pathway remains safer and more accessible for everyone.”

While the Gewog administration has taken charge of maintaining the region’s motorable roads, the footpath work relies solely on voluntary contributions from residents. Their efforts are entirely unpaid, fueled by a collective vision to enhance community wellbeing. Their willingness to work without compensation emphasized a deep-seated commitment to making their village a better, safer place.

Rinzin, a member of one of the newly formed volunteer groups, explained that the concept of structured volunteering came after their Gup returned from training and encouraged villagers to participate actively in community projects. For Rinzin and his six-member group, the initiative has been transformative. Working together has fostered unity and communication, both within their group and with the Gewog administration.

“This group has brought us together like never before. We feel more connected, and the Gup is always reachable when we need guidance,” Rinzin said. “In the past, the footpath was just there, often neglected and worn. Now, we meet regularly and commit to clearing it once a month, ensuring it remains accessible to everyone who relies on it.”

The volunteers also took it upon themselves to construct a toilet and a canopy along the path, small but essential facilities that improve the experience for travellers. Each month, they devote 15–16 days to the task, working until every job is complete. This dedicated approach not only enhances the local infrastructure but also strengthens the bonds among community members, fostering a network of mutual support and dedication.

Nima Lhamo Sherpa, another devoted volunteer, spoke of the sense of pride the new group has brought to Gakiling Gewog. Before the group’s formation, there was little organized collaboration for such tasks, but the sense of accomplishment has been palpable since they started. For a community of only 29 people, the difference has been significant.

“We are thrilled to have this group,” Nima Lhamo said. “It has united us and even strengthened our connection with the Gewog leaders. The cooperation we now have would have been hard to imagine before.”
With their contributions, villagers of all ages are coming together, creating a powerful synergy that transcends the project itself. The footpath has become a focal point for connection, unity, and pride, a shared project that represents the best of their village and its values.

As Gakiling Gewog residents commit to restoring the footpath, their motivation goes beyond mere infrastructure maintenance. This collective journey is a powerful illustration of the strength that emerges when communities unite with a common purpose. Each day spent clearing the path, building facilities, or meeting to coordinate efforts strengthens the connections between neighbors, fostering a cooperative spirit that will endure long after the footpath project concludes.

“Forming this group has not only improved our roads but our relationships too,” Nima Lhamo noted. “There’s a deeper sense of belonging, and we’ve learned to rely on one another.”
The volunteer groups meet monthly, planning work schedules and assigning tasks to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Through their efforts, they’re creating a safer, more connected village, reminding everyone that a shared commitment can lead to tangible, positive change. Their dedication to making the footpath accessible will serve as a legacy, inspiring future generations to take pride in their community and contribute to its development.

As Gakiling Gewog continues to strengthen its infrastructure, residents look ahead to new opportunities for growth and improvement. The Gewog administration has plans to support community efforts with periodic assistance, while local leaders hope that more residents will see the benefits of volunteering and join in the ongoing project. These villagers’ commitment to enhancing accessibility has set a precedent for future development and inspired neighboring communities to consider similar initiatives.

“This project is about more than the path itself,” Mangmi Tempa Rinchen reflected. “It’s a demonstration of what our village can achieve when we work together. We’re not just clearing a path; we’re setting a standard for how we care for our home.”

The success of the Gakiling Gewog footpath project is a testament to the power of community engagement. By coming together, the residents have not only improved their local infrastructure but also strengthened the bonds that connect them, creating a brighter future based on trust, collaboration, and resilience.

In Gakiling Gewog, the journey of creating and maintaining a simple footpath has become a meaningful endeavor, one that resonates far beyond its practical purpose. It is a reminder that when individuals come together in service of their community, they have the power to shape a future defined by cooperation, connection, and compassion. And with each meeting, every cleared stone, and every shared meal, the volunteers of Gakiling Gewog continue to pave the way, not only for safer travel but also for a stronger, more unified village.