September 07: The two day Dzongkhag Yargay Tshodu meeting in Thimphu ended yesterday. Members discussed issues ranging from Gewog boundary, forest, land registration, harvesting of cordyceps, highway widening, telephone connection, labour contribution, lhakhang renovations, rural electrification, and livestock development.

On rural electrification, the Lingshi Gup and the Soe Gup said they have long requested for electricity supply in their Gewogs. For now the two Gewogs rely on solar electricity. The power generated by solar power is barely enough for lighting the homes.

Mewang Gyeltshen an official from the Department of Energy said providing electricity in the two Gewogs is not cost effective owing to the small number of beneficiaries and the long distance. It will cost over Nu.70 million.

On forestry issues, the DYT members said it would be more convenient if matters related to forestry resources could be handled directly by the dzongkhag administration.

The Chang Gup said for now people who require permits for forestry resources are required to go to the head office. On average, about Nu. 120,000 will have to be spent to provide electricity to each household.

The DYT decided to conduct a feasibility study for providing electricity to these two Gewogs from Gunitsawa in Paro.

On Gewog boundary, the DYT decided that the issue will have to have to be submitted to the National Assembly.

The DYT members also discussed the coupon system of selling kerosene. The system has been introduced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure a fairer distribution of kerosene.

The meeting was attended by Gups and Mangis of the ten Gewogs.