This settlement was established in year 1967 at Bhuppur Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh State for 105 families with initial population of 475 Tibetan Refugees. Over the period, the population has increased. Presently, it has125 families and the population of over 1000 including the residential school and monks.
It is situated on the foothills of Himalayas, geographically known as Doon Valley at the height of 1000 ft above sea level. It is known for its extreme climatic condition. Temperature varies from 5°C – 46°C while annual rainfall is 1200 ml.
Initially a fiberglass factory was established as the main source of income for the inhabitants. However, due to lack of technical knowledge and expertise in the business, it failed to sustain and was finally closed down for good. In 1970, the program switched to small scale industries. Presently, it has Tibetan hand knotted woolen carpet weaving center and 7 acres of mango orchard.
The drainage system project was executed on 16th September, 2024 and successfully completed before the 30th Oct, 2024 as outlined in the project agreement.
Problems: The general drainage system in our settlement consists of a subsurface drain with perforated cement pipelines connected underground. Currently, there are significant challenges with the drainage system in our locality. The major issues are as follows:
- The drainage systems are poorly designed and have not been renovated for many years.
- Due to the outdated drainage system, there are frequent blockages, leading to water logging near households and excessive water overflow during the monsoon season.
- This situation also causes a pungent smell around residences and provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and malaria.
While the project is primarily aimed at benefiting these households, its implementation will have a positive impact on the surrounding community as a whole. The improvements will reduce the likelihood of drainage blockages, which can lead to sewage overflow near surrounding households. This, in turn, will contribute to a safer and cleaner environment in the locality.
Additionally, the project will help prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, benefiting the health and well-being of the entire community. Therefore, while the project directly caters to these 12 households, the indirect benefits will extend to all residents in the area.
Completion Statement:
We are pleased to report the successful completion of the drainage system renovation project, generously funded by the Tibet Relief Fund with an approved budget of ₹1, 99,860. This project has significantly improved the drainage system, providing major benefits to the local residents of our settlement.
On behalf of the Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Office and the entire settlement community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Tibet Relief Fund and Department of Home, CTA Dharamsala, for their support and guidance in making this project a success.
Sincerely,
Gelek Jamyang (Mr.)
Settlement Officer
