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1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

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oadleaved species the quantity is 3 drashing, 4 cham-sized trees, 6 tsim, and<br />

8 dangchung.<br />

The Chimi submitted that the allotted amount of timber is not sufficient for<br />

renovation and requested the National Assembly to consider increasing the<br />

allotment for the benefit of the people. The Chimi further added that while it is<br />

necessary to reduce the consumption of firewood for environmental protection,<br />

the reduction in the quantity of firewood causes problems to the people who live<br />

in rural areas where neither electricity nor LPG is available. Therefore, it is<br />

important for the people to know about the alternatives that the Royal<br />

Government is exploring while considering reduction in fuel wood<br />

consumption. In view of these difficulties, it would be appreciated if the Rules<br />

could be amended to make it beneficial to the people and the Government in<br />

the long term.<br />

The Chimis of Haa, Wangdue and Trashi Yangtse said that along with economic<br />

progress, the price of timber has also been increasing every year. It seems<br />

appropriate to bring to notice, the inability of the people to pay the increasing<br />

cost. If the cost doubled in future, it would cause lots of problems to the poor<br />

people. Moreover, it seems that the present allotment is not adequate for house<br />

construction purposes. The 30-year period required to obtain another timber<br />

allotment is too long. Furthermore, some houses would need timber for<br />

renovation purposes before the end of 30 years.<br />

The representatives proposed that timber for house construction be given as<br />

kidu to those who have no thram and live in huts. The people living a kilometer<br />

outside urban centres do not earn as much as those actually living inside it. So<br />

allotment of timber at subsidized rural rates to these people may be considered.<br />

In line with the policy of decentralization, the authority to approve rural<br />

subsidized timber allotment has been given to the Dzongkhag administration.<br />

However, before the permit can be received, it has to be routed through 4 to 5<br />

offices including the Divisional Forest Office, Ranger’s Office right upto the<br />

156

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