Tsirang Builds Economic Hub to Support Farmers, Recreation and Tourism
Residents and visitors in Tsirang will soon have a dedicated space in Damphu town to buy locally grown organic produce, relax and spend time with family and friends.
The Tsirang District Administration has begun constructing an Economic Hub on more than 8.6 acres of underused land surrounding the town’s swimming pool, football ground and Jarung Khashor.
The project, valued at Nu 34 million, is expected to create new opportunities for farmers, young people and local businesses. It is scheduled for completion in August next year.
Construction Underway in Phases
According to the district administration, construction is being carried out in phases.
The first phase covers site development and core infrastructure. Work is currently underway on a market shed, a steel truss footbridge, a cafe and several canopies.
The market shed will accommodate 16 farmers and will be used to sell organic farm produce from across the district.
Gewog administrations, working with local agriculture extension officials, will nominate farmers to operate from the market. The cafe will be leased through an Expression of Interest process.
More Public Facilities Planned
The next phase will include additional recreational and public facilities.
Plans include a viewing deck, an open-air theatre, an open bridge across the pond, walkways, entry gates, landscaped gardens and gazebos. Boundary fencing, compound lighting and electrical networks will also be installed.
The completed hub is expected to provide a shared public space where residents can shop, meet, study and take part in recreational activities.
Residents Expect Wider Economic Benefits
People in Tsirang have welcomed the project, saying it could create economic opportunities and provide an inclusive space for different sections of the community.
“As the Gelephu Mindfulness City takes shape, the Economic Hub will attract guests from the GMC, giving them a place to explore and take photographs. I believe the space will become one of the district’s major tourist attractions in the future. The facility will benefit people for many years, and students can use canopies as a comfortable space for studying,” said Om Prakash, a resident.
Mendrelgang Mangmi Tshering said the hub could benefit local young people and travellers using the highway between Gelephu and Thimphu.
“The district’s plan to construct an Economic Hub is a good decision. The centre will benefit both local youths and travellers travelling along the Gelephu and Thimphu highway as Tsirang stands in the centre. Therefore, the space will definitely benefit youths and be a convenient stopover for highway commuters.”
Supporting Tsirang’s Tourism Plans
The district has also been working with its gewogs, or local administrative blocks, to develop tourism activities and attract more visitors.
“All the gewogs have been working closely to promote tourism in the district. In the current plan also, we have initiatives to attract tourists. We are optimistic that the ongoing Economic Hub project will further help attract both domestic and international visitors,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, the chairperson of the Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu, the district’s elected local government body.
Once completed, the Economic Hub is expected to strengthen Damphu’s role as a community centre while creating a new market for farmers and additional public space for residents and travellers.
What Visitors Can Explore in Tsirang
Tsirang is known for its mild climate, forested hills, agricultural communities and culturally diverse population. Damphu, the district headquarters, lies on the north-south road connecting central Bhutan with Sarpang and Gelephu, making the town a natural stop for travellers.
Current places of interest include Tsirang Dzong in Damphu, which serves as the district’s administrative and religious centre, and Lung Si Gang, a roadside viewpoint overlooking the Punatsang Chhu river valley. The viewpoint has a stupa, a gazebo and stalls selling local produce.
Other sites promoted by local tourism operators include Pemachoeling Heritage Forest, Rigsum Pemai Dumra, Sergithang Valley, Tsholingkhar Viewpoint and farms offering agricultural experiences. The district is also developing community-based and agro-tourism activities, with opportunities linked to nature walks, birdwatching, local food and farm visits.
The Economic Hub could complement these attractions by giving visitors a central place to find local produce, rest during their journey and spend time in Damphu.
