Places to Visit

Chhukha

Geographical and Administrative Overview: Chhukha Dzongkhag, located in the southwestern part of Bhutan, serves as a critical gateway for entry into the western and central regions of Bhutan from India. Its administrative sub-division, Phuentshogling Drungkhag, is situated in Phuentshogling, which is one of the busiest commercial hubs in the country. Phuentshogling is a major town and serves as a key point for imports and exports between Bhutan and India.

Established in April 1987, Chhukha Dzongkhag has a population of approximately 84,203 (projected as of 2012), and it covers an area of 1882.38 sq. km. The elevation within the dzongkhag ranges from 160 meters to 4480 meters above sea level, offering a diverse landscape from lowland areas to mountainous terrain.

Vision: Chhukha Dzongkhag aspires to be an economically leading region with a cohesive society, vibrant culture, a sound environment, and balanced development. This vision aims to enhance the overall quality of life for its residents while maintaining a harmonious relationship between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.

Mission: The mission of Chhukha Dzongkhag is to provide a conducive environment for diversified economic activities while ensuring the well-being of its people. This mission focuses on fostering sustainable development and improving living standards for the local population.

Infrastructure: Chhukha Dzongkhag is well connected, with a double-lane motor road linking it to the capital city, Thimphu. Local transport buses operate frequently, with services every hour. The dzongkhag has extensive infrastructure, including farm roads that reach all the gewogs, along with essential services like drinking water, electricity, and mobile networks. Since 2016, all gewog offices have been connected to GovNet, and the ICT Office has extended the network to other government offices, including Basic Health Units (BHUs) and schools.

Key Economic Assets: Chhukha is home to significant economic assets, including the Chhukha Hydro Power Plant and the Tala Hydro Power Plant, which are crucial contributors to the national income. The area also hosts Pasakha, an industrial township, which supports the region’s economic activities.

Agriculture and Livelihood: Agriculture plays a central role in the livelihood of Chhukha’s population, with the majority of people relying on livestock and subsistence agriculture. The primary food crop cultivated is paddy, while mandarin, potato, and cardamom are important cash crops for the dzongkhag. These agricultural products are vital to both local consumption and the regional economy.

Administrative Structure: Chhukha Dzongkhag is divided into one Thromde (municipality), one Drungkhag (sub-district), and 11 gewogs (rural administrative units), namely:

Bjagchhog
Chapchha
Bongo
Darla
Doongna
Getena
Geling
Loggchina
Maedtabkha
Phuentshogling
Samphelling

With a combination of strong economic assets, accessible infrastructure, and a rich cultural heritage, Chhukha Dzongkhag is poised for continued growth and development, benefiting both its people and the broader national economy.