𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞

…𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Lhendup Wangmo

Every winter, the residents of Gelephu and Chuzangang, two neighbouring Gewogs in Sarpang Dzongkhag, come together for a communal task that has become a seasonal fixture for over two decades, constructing a temporary bamboo bridge over the Mouchhu River, locally known as Moukhola. This bridge connects the two communities during the winter months, offering essential connectivity when the river is less treacherous.

The Moukhola River, which divides Gelephu and Chuzangang, presents a significant challenge to the communities year-round. During the summer, the river swells, making it impassable and forcing residents to take a 30-kilometer detour. However, once the river’s levels drop in winter, the bamboo bridge becomes a lifeline for the villagers, reducing the travel distance to just two kilometers. It’s a bridge that is both practical and symbolic, representing resilience, community cooperation, and the challenges of living in a remote area.

For over 25 years, this bridge has been a seasonal structure, painstakingly rebuilt each year. Local residents gather bamboo, ropes, and other materials from nearby forests, working together to construct the bridge. Teachers, shopkeepers, health workers, and other community members all contribute their labour and resources to ensure the bridge is ready for the winter. This tradition, though crucial, has been a source of frustration due to its temporary nature and the dangers it poses when the river rises in the summer.

While the bamboo bridge offers temporary relief, its limited lifespan and the risks it poses during the monsoon season have led residents to call for a permanent solution. Over the years, the conversation about building a permanent bridge has been discussed but has remained largely unfulfilled due to budget constraints.

Karma Tshering, the Gup of Chuzangang, noted that the idea of a permanent bridge had been a topic of discussion for several years, but it was not included in the 13th Five-Year Plan due to financial limitations. “because we simply did not have the budget.” he said. “As a result, we have had to rely on this temporary solution every year.” the Gup added.

The continued reliance on the bamboo bridge has raised significant concerns within the community. While the structure remains strong during the winter months, it is frequently washed away during the summer, disrupting access and leaving communities without a viable crossing for extended periods. Pema Wangda, the Tshogpa of Chuzangang, highlighted the critical need for a permanent bridge, emphasizing that while the bamboo bridge provides a temporary solution in winter, it becomes a safety hazard during the summer due to rising water levels.

Pema Wangda said “We have been asking for help from the authorities, but so far, there has been no permanent solution.”

The prospects for a permanent bridge over the Moukhola River have improved as the government shifts its focus toward infrastructure development in the Gelephu area. With the upcoming construction of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, Governor of GMC, announced that two permanent bridges in the region would be prioritized. This initiative forms a key part of broader plans to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the area, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting the region’s development.

“Once the permanent bridges are built, we won’t have to rely on the winter bamboo bridge anymore,” said Jigme, a local resident, expressing the community’s relief and excitement. “We’re excited about the future.”

The potential for permanent bridges has ignited a sense of hope in the community, which has long awaited a lasting solution to the annual rebuilding of the bamboo bridge. The idea of having a permanent structure that can withstand seasonal changes without the need for yearly rebuilding is a dream that the residents are eager to see come true.

Despite the optimism surrounding the permanent bridges, the current bamboo bridge continues to play a critical role in daily life. Each winter, the entire community gathers to rebuild the structure, a labour-intensive and time-sensitive task. Local businesses, government employees, and villagers work together to collect materials and construct the bridge, often completing the job in a matter of days.

Lungten Wangdi, a resident of Chuzangang, shared the community’s determination in ensuring the bridge’s construction. “It’s not easy, but we do it because we need the bridge to stay connected,” he said. “It’s a long-standing tradition, and it brings the community together every winter.”

The resilience and teamwork displayed by the villagers is a testament to their commitment to maintaining connectivity, despite the arduous task of rebuilding the bridge year after year. However, the financial burden of rebuilding the bridge and sourcing materials often falls on local businesses, teachers, and health workers, who are among the primary contributors to the project.

While the temporary bamboo bridge continues to serve its purpose, the local community is eagerly awaiting the day when a permanent structure will replace it. The ongoing planning for the new infrastructure, including surveys of the Moukhola River, is a positive sign that the authorities are taking the matter seriously. With discussions around the construction of the new bridges gaining traction, residents are cautiously optimistic about the future.

“There has been talk of building permanent bridges for the past few years, and we have been assured that the plans are in motion,” said Pema Wangda. “We are hopeful that this time, the bridge will be built.”

As the seasons change and the annual task of rebuilding the bamboo bridge approaches once again, the residents of Gelephu and Chuzangang remain hopeful. With the government’s renewed focus on infrastructure and the support of the local community, the dream of a permanent bridge may soon become a reality. This would mark the beginning of a new chapter for the villagers, where the Moukhola River no longer stands as a barrier to their daily lives.

The promise of a permanent bridge offers not just physical connectivity but a deeper sense of security and progress for the residents of both Gewogs. In the meantime, the community continues to demonstrate its resilience, working together to ensure that the bridge will once again stand firm, however temporary, until the day a lasting solution is realized.