Aja-Ney is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites under Shermuhung Gewog in Mongar Dzongkhag. It’s located within the core zone of the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). The nearest road leading to Aja terminates at a place called Khadrak located at about 17 km from the Shermuhung Gewog center. Thereafter, it takes around 7 hours on foot to reach the community. The Aja community comprises 4 Lhakhangs, 19 Tsamkhangs, 8 Huts, 2 Guest House, Park Guard Office and a Kitchen accumulating to 34 Households (HHs).
Since the on-grid electrification of Aja Community remains far from happening for the foreseeable future, the Department of Renewable Energy (DRE) is taking the lead role in propagating the electrification work at Aja community. The Department has also collaborated with Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) in exploring the other alternative means (Solar PV farm) to electrify Aja village through the Small Grants Programme (SGP) under UNDP.
Owing to the prevailing financial position, technical feasibility, environmental concerns and the magnitude of the work, the Department has segregated the electrification project into following 3 phases:
- Phase 1: Solar Power Plant at Nimathang (Main Community Center)
- Phase 2: Solar Power Plant at Pema Yang Dzong
- Phase 3: Solar Power Plant at Dungkarcholing
To begin with, the Department will pursue the project phase 1. The phase 2 and phase 3 components will be pursued later when the Department is able to secure sufficient funding.
Beneficiaries
34 Households
The Aja community comprises 4 Lhakhangs, 19 Tsamkhangs, 8 Huts, 2 Guest House, Park Guard Office and a Kitchen
Total Project Value
Nu. 12.13 million
The total cost estimate of the Solar Project at Aja Ney is Nu. 12,135,535 and it is funded by the Green Climate Fund.
Thematic Area
Adaptation
Climate Resilience
BFL Contacts: Grievance Redress Mechanism
BFL Project Coordination Unit
Name: Ms. Norbu Yangdon
Phone: (02) 325042/324131
Email: norbuyangdon@moenr.gov.bt
Mailing Address: Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forests and Park Services
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Thimphu
BFL Fund Secretariat
Name: Mr. Kuenzang Tobgay
Phone: (02) 325042/324131
Email: kuenzangtobgay@bfl.org.bt
Mailing Address: BFL Fund Secretariat, Royal Textile Academy, Suit 202, Chubachu, Thimphu
Department of Energy
Name: Mr. Galey Dorji
Phone: (02) 325042/324131
Email: norbuyangdon@moenr.gov.bt
Mailing Address: Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Thimphu