December 29: Residents in Tingtibi, Zhemgang are asking for their land back as the town development failed to take off. The land acquired for the town development has now been covered with thick bushes and it is sometimes being used as an archery range.

The plan has been drawn and the basic infrastructure like road, water supply, and drainage put in place. But 20 years down the line, the town site wears a deserted look. It has been reclaimed by nature. Officials say the government has spent about Nu 18 million to construct roads and provide the water supply and the drainage system.

The road is covered with bush and tropical grass.

Frustrated, the residents are asking for their land back. They say they do not see the possibility of Tangtibi developing into a booming town.

Residents say the government should allow them to acquire their land back if there are no plans for developing Tingtibi into a town.

However, the dzongkhag municipal engineer said the dzongkhag has already provided compensation for the land acquired from the people.

The Trong Gup Dorji Wangdi said Tingtibi has the potential to develop located as it is on the Wangdi-Tingtibi bypass road. Once the bypass is completed, passengers traveling between Trongsa and Gelephu will pass through Tingtibi. He said it is important to develop the town.