𝐍𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

…𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒄𝒐-𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔, 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒖𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚.

By Kezang Choden

Ngangla Gewog in Zhemgang Dzongkhag is witnessing substantial infrastructure upgrades as part of efforts to promote tourism and strengthen the local economy. With the installation of modern streetlights in Trong Chiwog, and a large-scale project at the scenic Twin Waterfall site, the gewog is positioning itself as a prime destination for both domestic and international tourists.

These efforts come ahead of the annual Chothpala festival, which will be celebrated from October 23–25, and are part of a broader initiative to improve public amenities and create economic opportunities for the local community.
Funded by the gewog’s budget of Nu 0.5 million, the new streetlight system in Trong Chiwog is set to be officially inaugurated on October 23. The lighting initiative includes the installation of seven LED streetlights, including one multi-directional light, strategically placed to ensure visibility across the village and nearby areas. This project marks a significant milestone in Ngangla Gewog’s efforts to improve infrastructure and make the area safer for both residents and visitors.

The new lighting system is also intended to enhance the experience of the Chothpala festival, one of the gewog’s most significant cultural events. Held over three days in the 10th month of the Bhutanese calendar, the festival features traditional dances, rituals, and cultural performances that celebrate the unique heritage of the region. The improved lighting infrastructure will allow visitors to enjoy the festival well into the evening, ensuring safety and comfort during night-time activities.

Sonam Jamtsho, a resident of Trong Chiwog, expressed his excitement over the lighting improvements. “Our village has long lagged behind in terms of development, and we used to rely on fuel lamps during festivals. Now, with proper lighting, our guests can fully enjoy both the day and night activities during the Chothpala festival,” Sonam Jamtsho said.

He emphasized the significance of this development for the local community: “The streetlights are not only a matter of safety, but they also create a more festive atmosphere. This will make our village more attractive to tourists and give us the opportunity to showcase our culture to a wider audience.”

In addition to the lighting project, Ngangla Gewog is launching a major initiative to develop the Twin Waterfall, one of the region’s most popular natural attractions. The project, funded by a Nu 5.943 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is focused on enhancing eco-tourism in the area and is expected to draw more visitors to the gewog.

Sonam Dorji, the Engineer of Zhemgang Dzongkhag, announced that the project will be executed in two phases, with the first phase focusing on building a pedestrian boardwalk and viewing deck at the waterfall. “Our goal is to provide a better experience for visitors by constructing pathways that allow them to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Twin Falls. We’re also adding landscaping and traditional walls to give the area a rustic appeal,” Sonam Dorji said.

Phase one also includes the construction of ramps and pathways to ensure that the site is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. The goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can experience the breathtaking views of the Twin Falls.

The second phase of the project will see the construction of a bamboo café and artisan stalls. Sonam Dorji explained that the café will highlight the local culture by incorporating bamboo products, which are a specialty of Lower Kheng. “The café will showcase the region’s bamboo craftsmanship, giving visitors a taste of our local heritage. We are also building market stalls for artisans from the four gewogs of Lower Kheng, providing them with a space to sell their products,” he said.

This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for the local community, particularly the youth. “By promoting eco-tourism, we hope to stimulate economic growth and provide avenues for young entrepreneurs to set up businesses at the Twin Waterfall site,” Sonam Dorji added.

The infrastructure projects in Ngangla Gewog are part of a broader effort to boost rural tourism and empower the local community through sustainable development. Gup Rinchen Tshering, the head of Ngangla Gewog, emphasized the importance of these initiatives for the region’s future.

“Our main goal is to enhance the tourism potential of Ngangla Gewog. We are confident that these improvements will make the Chothpala festival more vibrant and appealing, while also encouraging visitors to explore our rich traditions and natural beauty throughout the year,” Gup Rinchen Tshering said.

He highlighted that the infrastructure improvements will create new opportunities for the local community, especially the youth. “Once all the construction is done, we plan to create avenues for young entrepreneurs to set up small businesses, such as handicraft shops, cafés, and restaurants at the tourist site,” Gup explained.

This vision aligns with Bhutan’s broader goals of promoting sustainable tourism while preserving cultural heritage. The gewog is also working with local businesses to ensure that the influx of tourists will benefit the entire community.
As Ngangla Gewog continues to grow as a tourist destination, the community is preparing to welcome more visitors, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The improved infrastructure will not only support tourism but also contribute to the wellbeing of residents by improving public services and creating new economic opportunities.

Tshering Jamtsho, a local farmer, expressed his optimism about the developments: “These infrastructure projects will transform our village. With better facilities, we’ll be able to attract more tourists and showcase the best of what our gewog has to offer.”

The Twin Waterfall project, in particular, is seen as a major step forward in promoting eco-tourism in the region. By developing sustainable infrastructure and showcasing local crafts, the gewog hopes to create a unique experience for visitors that highlights both its natural and cultural heritage.

Sonam Dorji, the project engineer, is optimistic about the future of Ngangla Gewog as an eco-tourism hub. “We have already reached out to the Department of Tourism for additional support, and we’re hopeful that these projects will help put our gewog on the map as a top destination for eco-tourism,” Sonam said.

With its rich cultural traditions, stunning landscapes, and new infrastructure developments, Ngangla Gewog is poised to become a sought-after destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience of Bhutan’s natural and cultural beauty. As these projects near completion, the gewog is preparing for a future where tourism plays a central role in its economic growth and cultural preservation.