Tibetan Settlement, Palrabling (Dobhi)
A brief story on Tibetan Settlement, Palrabling, Kullu/Manali, H.P.
Introduction:
During the early years of refugees many of Tibetan moved towards the hilly area of Himachal Pradesh state of India and engaged as laborer in road construction. Many of them settled around the area of Kullu and Manali. So, to look after the socio-economic development of Tibetans around these areas, Tibetan Welfare office of Central Tibetan Administration was set up. Palrabling Tibetan Settlement, Kullu is established in 1992 and the total area of the settlement is 32 biswas.
Settlement location:
Palrabling Tibetan settlement Dhobi is located at Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh state and it is 25 km away from Manali Town. The average altitude of the area is 1926 meter above sea level and average rainfall is 1200 ml. The average temperature is 0° - 35° celsius.
Settlement population:
| Initial population | 7000 |
| Present population: | 2114 |
No. of villages in the settlement:
Palrabling Tibetan settlement is a small settlement and is not divided into villages but many of Tibetans are scattered around the town.
Settler's livelihood:
As the settlement is located at the hill station of Himachal Pradesh state there fore, the main source of income for the Tibetan in settlement are small petty business and own small shop for the tourist.
Facilities in the settlement:
| School | One day school up to class VIII Three Nursery and Créche |
| Health facilities | Three modern allopathic clinics (each at Kullu, Dhobi and Manali) Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute (Manali) |
| Monastery | There are 6 monasteries at Kullu Valley area:
1. Ngyagyur Samten Choekhorling (Pangang Gonpa) |
| Old People's Home | There was one small old people's home with 15 destitute elders but later on it was shifted to Chauntra Old People's Home |
Administrative setup:
CTA Representative
Tibetan Welfare Office at Dhobi Kullu is the representative of
the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration. It is
serving as the liaison office of Central Tibetan Administration
for the Tibetans in Kullu Manali area and other outside authority.
It is the principle office to look after the welfare and overall
control of running of affairs of the Tibetans in the area. Daily
task for the representative ranges from adjudicating disputes to
communicating with group leaders and outside authorities, and
generally watching over the running of all aspects of the settlement.
Local Assembles:
Like every other genuine democratic system the Tibetans in Kullu
Manali areas elect their own representatives for better understanding
of the problems with them.The actual term of Local Assembly is for five
years and they hold session twice in year with Tibetan Welfare Officer.
During the session they can bring up the problems of the Tibetan
people and raise the question on the working of the Tibetan Welfare
Officer. These members are elected on the basis of their strength
of personality and once ability to stand before the interest of
their people.
Traveling guide:
| Nearest railway station | Jogindernagar | |
| Nearest airport | Buntar | |
| Bus and Taxi services | Yes |