Chandragiri Project
Protecting long-term health.
The project leaders and senior representatives from all of the five settlement camps in Chandragiri briefed the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo on plans for drainage and road construction. Here, one of the project leaders outlines the overall planning on an outdoor map prepared for the Sakyong’s visit.
One of the most vicious strains of malaria is now a major threat to the survival of a well-established Tibetan settlement in North East India. The settlement, known as Chandragiri, was established under the leadership of the Ripa family, in a remote jungle area of Orissa, one of India’s eastern and poorest states. Unless this health hazard is eliminated, the community’s survival (especially that of its young children) is at serious risk.
A team of professionals, engineers and local officials has worked out a plan to drain the malaria-breeding swamps. The plan is to build a network of drains, culverts and roads that will permanently prevent accumulation of stagnant water and also link the settlement¹s five villages, hostel and main office. The estimated total cost of the seven construction segments is $470,000.
Khandro Tseyang unveiling a plaque in Phuntsokling, the Tibetan settlement where the road and drain construction project aims to eradicate malaria.
