Three households in Bachakha Village on the Haa-Paro border are facing difficulties accessing government services because their homes and land are located in Paro’s Naja Gewog, while their census records remain under Samar Gewog in Haa. The issue came to light after the households were excluded from a chain-link fencing programme provided by Haa’s Agriculture Sector. Residents say the lack of fencing has left their farms more vulnerable to wildlife, while they have also had to arrange their own water supply, storage and other basic infrastructure. Despite living in Paro, the households continue to participate in community activities and pay taxes in Samar Gewog, where they are registered. Samar Gup Sangay Dorji said Haa could not use its budget for fencing land located in Paro. Naja Gewog, meanwhile, said the households have traditionally carried out development activities through Samar and have not approached the gewog for support. Paro’s Engineering Sector also acknowledged uncertainty over which gewog should take responsibility for development works in the area. Haa’s Dzongda said the administration has not received a formal complaint but is willing to discuss the matter with Paro and, if necessary, seek clarification from the National Land Commission. Until responsibilities are clearly defined, the three households remain caught between two administrations.
