February 17: Shopkeepers in Dechenchoeling in Thimphu have begun shifting to the new township.

11 shopkeepers have been allocated plots in the new town. But 12 other shopkeepers did not. They have been left in a limbo. They have nowhere to move and neither can they stay in the old town.

Dechencholing is located about half an hours drive from the capital town. It is a small but thriving community. Owing to its proximity to the capital town, land in the new township is much sought after. Almost all the shopkeepers in the old town wanted a plot of land to build shops and restaurants and establish other businesses in the new town.

11 shopkeepers have been allocated plots in the new town. They have already shifted to the new town. 12 other shopkeepers were not lucky enough. They said they have now nowhere to go.

As per a notification from the city corporation, they are required to vacate by February 15. They said they are worried about their future and their business.

The shopkeepers said they have appealed for an investigation into the plot allocation which they say was not fair. There still remain four plots in the new town which have not been unallocated. They are all hoping that they will get a plot but with 12 shopkeepers who all want a plot of land in the new town and just four pots, only one thing is certain, many are going to be disappointed.