𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐲𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠

By Kezang Choden

The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, in partnership with the Gewog Administration and local residents, recently launched a volunteer-driven initiative to restore Tshomen Gyem Tsho, a sacred lake nestled in the mountainous region of Tshorkhar. This community-led effort aimed to address both the environmental and spiritual degradation of the lake, which has historically been a critical resource for the area.

For centuries, Tshomen Gyem Tsho has been venerated as a guardian spirit, believed to protect the village from misfortune. However, in recent years, the lake has suffered from neglect, pollution, and the broader effects of climate change. This initiative marks a significant step towards its restoration, highlighting the community’s determination to preserve their cultural heritage and the surrounding ecosystem.

Tshomen Gyem Tsho is more than just a body of water; it holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the people of Sakteng. For generations, the local residents have revered the lake as the dwelling of a protective deity, whose favour is crucial to the prosperity and well-being of the village. “Our elders taught us that if we keep the Tsho clean, we keep our village safe,” said one elderly resident, reflecting the enduring belief that the health of the lake directly affects the community’s fortunes.

In addition to its cultural importance, the lake serves as a vital water source for both wildlife and livestock. Animals rely on the lake not only for drinking water but also as a grazing site near its lush banks. With the degradation of the lake’s surroundings due to pollutants and environmental shifts, the local ecosystem has been under threat, putting both wildlife and agricultural activities at risk.

The clean-up initiative, therefore, takes on dual importance, protecting both a sacred site and a critical natural resource. The residents of Tshorkhar are keenly aware that the health of the lake is intertwined with their own livelihoods, and this campaign has rekindled a sense of collective responsibility for its preservation.

The restoration effort was spearheaded by the local gewog (administrative block) in collaboration with the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, with strong support from the Gup “These sacred sites and Tsho have been passed down through generations, and we take it as our duty to protect them from disappearing forever,” said Tshewang Tshering, the Sakteng Gup.

The initiative saw over 150 volunteers from Sakteng and neighbouring villages come together, armed with tools and a shared sense of purpose. For days, they worked tirelessly to remove debris, clean the banks, and prevent further contamination of the water. Some volunteers even hiked from distant villages, bringing their own supplies to support the effort. Their participation reflects the strong cultural and environmental ties that bind the community together.

The Gup shared the necessity of continued preservation, stating, “The Lake is not only a spiritual anchor for us, but it also serves our livestock, providing water and grazing lands. If we allow it to degrade further, both our animals and our livelihoods will suffer.” His words echoed throughout the crowd of volunteers, many of whom view the initiative as not just a one-time effort but a long-term commitment.

Preserving Tshomen Gyem Tsho is as much about the future as it is about the past. The local Tshogpa of Thrakthri Chiwog, Yeshi Dorji emphasized the need to pass on this responsibility to younger generations. “I learned about the importance of this Tsho from my grandfather, and now it’s my turn to teach my children and grandchildren,” he said during the clean-up.

The Tshogpa’s words shows the cultural continuity that sustains the village’s relationship with the lake. Volunteers of all ages took part in the clean-up, with many parents bringing their children to help and learn about the significance of the lake. This communal activity is seen as a way to instill respect for nature and traditional practices in younger generations, ensuring that the lake remains a cherished and protected site for years to come.

“It’s essential that we teach our youth the importance of safeguarding our tsho,” the Tshogpa added. “Without this lake, we lose a part of who we are.”

The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity, plays a crucial role in the preservation of Tshomen Gyem Tsho. The Chief Ranger of the sanctuary highlighted the lake’s ecological importance: “The Lake is a lifeline for the animals in this region. Many species rely on it for water and the surrounding grasslands for food.”

The sanctuary team has been instrumental in organizing clean-up efforts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the lake. “Every year, we pledge to safeguard this area, maintaining its pristine condition without altering its natural beauty,” the Chief Ranger explained. He stressed that protecting the lake also means protecting the wildlife that inhabits the region, emphasizing that the sanctuary’s mission extends beyond just conserving land but also involves supporting the local community’s way of life.

Wildlife officials and community members alike have expressed a shared understanding that preserving the environment is a collective responsibility. This joint effort, they believe, is crucial to ensuring the region remains a sanctuary for both people and animals.

The clean-up of Tshomen Gyem Tsho has set an example for other communities in Bhutan to follow. In a country where many sacred lakes and rivers are facing similar threats, the initiative demonstrates that local efforts, when combined with official support, can make a tangible difference. The Sakteng initiative also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation, a theme that resonates throughout Bhutan.

As climate change continues to pose challenges for the country’s water sources, the restoration of Tshomen Gyem Tsho is a step toward long-term sustainability. The Sakteng community has shown that protecting natural resources is not only essential for the environment but also for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the well-being of future generations.

The community is hopeful that this event will spark similar movements in other regions, encouraging people to take proactive steps in protecting their sacred sites. “We will not stop working for what benefits us the most,” the Gup reaffirmed, promising that Sakteng’s commitment to environmental conservation will continue to inspire future generations.

Through this collective action, Tshomen Gyem Tsho will continue to thrive as a source of life and spirituality for the people of Sakteng, a testament to the enduring power of community in the face of environmental challenges.