June 16: Chorten vandalism has been reported in all the Dzongkhags except in three Dzongkhags of Samtse, Sarpang and Zhemgang. Over the years, chorten vandalism has increased over the years. According to our sources more than 70 chortens and Lhakhangs have been vandalized this year alone.

The chief cultural property officer of the department of culture Tshewang Gyalpo said the department has been trying various means to curb the problem but to no avail. He said together with the police and the people, they have formed local committees to protect chortens. But he said this has not been effective mainly because the chortens are located far away from the villages.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of cultural officers from the 20 dzongkhags in the capital last week.

Once the Cultural officers’ returns to their respective dzongkhags they will have to register all the relics and the valuables for further protection and preservation. It also includes the architectural designs.

The last day of Seminar was also attended by the Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Lyonpo Minjur Dorji.