𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲

… 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒌, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒆𝒚 𝒈𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒈

By Pema Wangmo

The growing presence of unsupervised horses in Phobjikha, a key area within Gangtey Gewog, has become a significant threat to local livelihoods and community safety. Residents are facing severe challenges as these horses damage property, disrupt daily life, and even pose dangers to livestock and schoolchildren. Despite repeated complaints to local authorities, the issue remains unresolved, leaving the community in urgent need of effective solutions.

Penjor, a 58-year-old resident, describes the escalating issue in Phobjikha, a prominent area within Gangtey Gewog. “We are facing a serious issue with horses roaming near our properties and causing significant damage. Despite multiple reports to the Gewog office, the problem continues. Several horses have died near my home, and I have had to bury them using a tractor on two occasions. The horse owners rarely come forward to claim their animals,” he stated.

Penjor further elaborated on the impact these horses have had on their daily lives. “The situation is dire, with only a few people able to speak out due to limited education. Our own animals are suffering because the horses consume the food we store for winter. Many residents have documented these issues with videos and have sent them to the Gewog office, but no resolution has been achieved. We urgently need intervention and support to address this problem.”

Despite initial attempts by the Gewog office to regulate the presence of horses, compliance has been inconsistent. “The Gewog once imposed a rule to prevent horses from being brought into the area, but it was short-lived, and the problem persists,” Penjor added. Many of the horses come from nearby regions like Punakha and Lunana, migrating to Phobjikha during the summer months. Efforts to relocate these horses to other areas have been considered, but the issue remains unresolved.

The unchecked presence of horses is not just a nuisance; it has become a threat to local livestock and safety. Reports of horses biting small calves and even adult cows have become more frequent, creating distress for farmers and livestock owners. This behavior poses a significant economic challenge for those who rely on their animals for their livelihoods.

Tshering Gyeltshen, a 53-year-old farmer, shared his concerns. “We are facing problems with horses from three Dzongkhags. These horses have been sent to our pasture grounds, and leopards have attacked them, leading to their deaths. This feeding behavior causes dogs to attack our cows, which is a real problem for our villagers. During winter, the stray horses die due to lack of food and shelter. Dogs and crows often scatter the remains, which is disturbing for people. Vultures have even been seen carrying meat to the rooftops of houses.”

The presence of unsupervised horses has also led to traffic congestion, especially during the peak tourist seasons. The narrow, winding roads of Gangtey Gewog are not designed to accommodate both vehicles and large animals, creating potentially dangerous situations for drivers and pedestrians.

Karma Tenzin, a 45-year-old homestay owner, described the challenges they face. “During the summer, the rainy weather exacerbates the situation, with numerous horses roaming in groups. Without sturdy fencing, they come near our homes, causing damage to property and vegetation. Dead horses are often left in pastures without proper care or disposal, releasing a foul smell and posing a threat to the cleanliness of the environment. We’ve even had incidents of horses attacking children and young animals.”

The safety of schoolchildren is a growing concern, with horses often wandering near school routes. Tshering Dorji, a school principal, highlighted these risks. “Although horses do not enter the school campus due to our gates, they pose a threat to students from nine surrounding villages who come to our school. One of my students was even chased and kicked by a horse, causing her to faint. Teachers, who live outside the campus, are also scared of the horses loitering around. Dead horses attract dogs, which can spread diseases like rabies. We have buried dead horses to mitigate these risks, but the problem remains.”

Local authorities acknowledge the growing concerns and are in discussions with community leaders to find solutions. One proposed solution is the creation of designated grazing areas to keep the horses away from populated and high-traffic zones. There is also a push for better management and supervision of horses to prevent them from roaming freely.

Kinley Gyeltshen, the Gup of Gangtey, spoke about the ongoing challenges. “The issue of stray horses has persisted since the 2nd Local Government’s term and was raised during Dzongkhag Tshogdu meetings. Despite discussions, no effective solution has been found. During the 3rd Local Government, a coordination meeting in Gasa led to an agreement that horses would not be sent to our area carelessly, but this has not been upheld. Gangtey currently has around 80 horses, with many more coming from other areas. This poses a significant threat to tourists, as the horses scratch cars and block roads, leading to complaints.”

The Dzongkhag administration’s support in this matter remains uncertain, but local gewogs have requested to compile a list of negligent horse owners. This list has been submitted to two dzongkhags, but the issue remains unresolved due to the lack of clear regulations.

“We need to find a way to balance the presence of horses with the safety and well-being of our community,” said Kinley Gyeltshen. “While horses are part of our cultural heritage and an asset to our economy, we must ensure that both the residents and the horses can coexist peacefully.”

The community is calling for immediate action to resolve the ongoing problems. A recent message from Wangdue Dzongkhag highlighted the disruptions caused by Lunana horses roaming in the Gangtey and Phobjikha areas, affecting the daily lives of residents. A meeting between the two dzongkhags resulted in an agreement that Lunana residents would refrain from bringing their horses into Gangtey and Phobjikha, but violations continue.

Jigme Namgyel, the Gasa Dzongda, acknowledged the ongoing challenges. “We previously instructed the Lunana Gup to ensure the return of the horses, and there was some compliance. However, if Lunana residents continue to bring their horses into Phobjikha, it is crucial for the people of Phobjikha and Gangtey to identify the owners. Wangdue Dzongkhag needs to directly inform us of incidents so we can take appropriate action. Since many animals from various places converge in Gangtey and Phobjikha, it is challenging to act based on generalizations alone.”

As Gangtey Gewog grapples with the rising horse population, the community faces a critical challenge in balancing tradition with modern safety concerns. Once a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage, the free-roaming horses now pose real risks to schoolchildren, residents, and tourists. Without proactive measures and collaboration between local authorities, schools, and the community, these disturbances may escalate, potentially leading to serious incidents.
The need for sustainable solutions is urgent to ensure that Gangtey Gewog can thrive while safeguarding the well-being of all who live in and visit this beautiful valley. The serene and picturesque landscapes that define Gangtey Gewog must be preserved, not only for the sake of tourism but also for the safety and quality of life of its residents.