Dagana District


Dagana District is one of the 20 districts of Bhutan. Covering an area of, it is located in the lower foothills of the mid-Himalayan ranges. The district had a population of 24,965 people as of 2017, living across 14 gewogs. Economically, Dagana’s population follows mixed subsistence agriculture and livestock rearing.

History

The history of Dagana district is particularly centered around the castle of Daga Dzong. The dzong, a prominent feature of the district, was originally established in 1651 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. The dzong served as an important administrative and monastic center, demonstrating the historical significance of the region in Bhutan's consolidation.

Geography

Dagana District is located in the southwestern part of Bhutan. It borders Sarpang District to the east, Tsirang District to the north, Chukha District to the west, and is adjacent to the Indian state of West Bengal to the south. The district covers an area of approximately. Dagana is located about away from the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, in the foothills of the mid Himalayan range. The topography varies with elevations ranging from meters above sea level. It includes rugged mountain ridges with temperate climate in the north and sub-tropical climate zone in the river valleys to the south. The summers are hot and wet and winters are dry and cold.
Like most of the districts of Bhutan, Dagana contains environmentally protected areas. In southeastern Dagana that is along the border with India, lies the western half of Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, covering parts of Karmaling, Lhamoy Zingkha and Nichula Gewogs. Phibsoo has no human inhabitants.

Administrative divisions

Dagana District itself is divided into fourteen village blocks :
In April 2007, Lhamoy Zingkha Dungkhag was formally handed over from Sarpang Dzongkhag to Dagana Dzongkhag.

Demographics

The district had a population of 24,965 people as of 2017, with 51.9% male, 48.1% female. The population is spread across various communities and settlements, with the majority residing in rural areas. The district is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Lhotshampas and Ngalops. The economy is based on smallholder mixed farming and livestock management. It has developed into a center for ecotourism based on its offering of various cultural sites, biodiversity, and festivals like the annual Tshechu festival.