After years of neglect, the Zangdopelri in Samdrup Jongkhar thromde will finally get a renovation. The thromde administration is allocating Nu 7.5 M for the restoration of the three-storied Zangdopelri.
The restoration works will be carried out within this financial year.
The thromde plans to repair the roof and windows, install new prayer wheels, construct public toilets with inclusive access for people with disabilities, and improve landscaping and parking areas. These works are expected to be completed within the year.
However, the office will propose additional funds in the next financial year.
Rinchen Dendup, the resident of the Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde said, “It is badly damaged, and even the prayer wheels have fallen. This is the right time for renovation, and we would be grateful if the government could restore it.”
Another resident Ram Bahadur said, “Everything here has become old. It used to be in good condition. If it is restored, we would be very grateful.”
“Some prayer wheels are missing, and others have become old and unusable. It was in good condition before, but now we are not able to turn prayer wheels,” said Tenzin Tshering, also a resident.
The Zangdopelri remained in poor condition for years due to a seven-year legal dispute over land ownership between Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde and a private individual.
In 2021, the Supreme Court ordered the land to be handed over to the thromde and directed it to pay Nu 27 M in compensation. However, payment was delayed until last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints.
Once renovated, the Zangdopelri is expected to continue serving as a vibrant spiritual hub for the community for generations to come.