Construction of Mongar Forest Division Head Office
Construction of Mongar Forest Division Head Office
The Mongar Forest Division Head Office had operated from a deteriorating structure for nearly four decades, which bore the weight of time and trauma. Established in 1985, the Division is one of Bhutan’s 14 key forestry offices, covering over 2,323 square kilometres of forests and wildlife habitats in Mongar and Lhuentse. It also oversees the Biological Corridor 7, which connects three major protected areas: Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Phrumshingla National Park, and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.
Despite the ecological and strategic importance of its work, the Division’s physical infrastructure had not kept pace. The office had never undergone any renovation and suffered structural damage during the disasters such as 2004 and 2009 earthquakes. Over the years, deep cracks spread across the walls, wooden windows and doors decayed, and the building became a safety concern for both staff and visitors.
Staff continued to serve the forests and communities with determination, even as their own workspace became increasingly unfit for purpose. That reality changed in March 2024, when the Division did the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new building. This important upgrade was made possible under Milestone 15 of the Bhutan for Life (BFL) Program with total financial support of Nu. 20 million, and co-financed by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC).
The newly completed building is designed to accommodate over 70 staff members. The new facility includes modern office spaces, a mini-conference hall, toilet facilities with non-slip slate tiles, laminated flooring, Bhutanese-style timber paneling, aluminum-framed windows, proper drainage, a safety tank, and compound fencing. The wood polish on pine paneling, Bhutanese painting motifs on columns, and false ceiling installations bring together tradition and function in a space that is both dignified and practical. “A well-maintained and structurally sound office will enhance operational efficiency and enable the staff to deliver forest and conservation services more effectively to the communities of the two major eastern Dzongkhags” said Tshewang Tenzin, Sr. Forest Ranger III and BFL Focal.
The project also emphasized safety for construction workers by providing protective gear and adhering to Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), including mitigation measures such as retaining walls and proper waste disposal.
The impact is already visible in staff morale and operational efficiency. Previously scattered and constrained, forestry teams from Mongar, Lhuentse, and Gyalpoizhing range offices now have a centralized, functional hub. Field officers can plan operations, host inter-agency coordination meetings, and respond more swiftly to conservation threats such as forest fires, illegal logging, and human-wildlife conflict.
The newly constructed divisional foest office in mongar was inaugurated and consecrated on 23rd June, 2025. The consecration ceremony was presided over by the lam Neten of Mongar Rabdey and graced by Dasho Dzongdag of Mongar Dzongkhag Administration. The event was also attended by Dasho Dzongrab, Dasho Drangpon, Sector heads, regional heads, forestry officials and representatives of the local communities.
As part of Bhutan for Life’s broader vision to equip all Protected Areas and Biological Corridors with adequate infrastructure and skilled personnel, the Mongar Forest Division Head Office now stands as a success story-one where investment in people, place, and purpose come together.
With this new home, the Mongar Forest Division enters a new chapter, ready to safeguard Bhutan’s forests, empower its communities, and uphold the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.