The Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests in collaboration with Thimphu Thromde, Desuung Office, Royal Project Coordination Office, Royal Council for Urban Development and Ministry of Works and Human Settlements started the plantation of root ball trees to beautify and add aesthetic value to the city. The plantation of root ball trees started with the recruitment of 25 Desuups and started the work from Bebena town within Thimphu city in May 2022. The main objective of the root balling program is to plant big trees within the city and at the same time train the Desuups to root ball, handle and plant it.
Over the period of 4 months, the 25 Desuups with forestry staff planted more than 250 root ball trees at Bebena, old truck parking below the flyover bridge of Changzamtog, Semtokha roundabout and Thimphu gate. The species planted were wild Himalayan cherry, empress or princess tree, maple, oak, blue pine, peach, Melia, etc. Currently, most of the trees are doing very well and more than 95 percent of plants are surviving. However, Forestry staff and Desuups are continuously monitoring and watering the plants.
On 8th September 2022, as an appreciation for their dedication and hard-work, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests awarded a certificate to the individual Desuups who were involved in root balling plantation by the Officiating Secretary, Mr. Lobzang Dorji (Director of DoFPS). The awarding ceremony was attended by the Director, Department of Human Settlement cum representative of the Royal Council for Urban Development, Lt. Colonel Sisir, Officer on Special Duty to Desuung Office, Chief Planning Officer of Desuung Office and Forestry Officials. During the awarding ceremony, the Offtg. Secretary, MoAF, thanked the Desuups for their hard-work and also mentioned that we should always be dedicated and committed to serving His Majesty, Nation and People. He also mentioned that this is just a beginning of greening initiatives, we will have to continue further, which Desuups may again be involved in this valuable task.
