Thehe village densely packed due to social traditions
Summary
Deep-rooted social traditions and religious beliefs have kept Thehe village in Humla densely packed for generations, with residents reluctant to build homes outside the traditional settlement. The crowded layout has also worsened fire risks, water supply, drainage and waste management problems.
Key Points
- Residents in Thehe village, Humla, have long avoided building homes outside the traditional settlement because of religious beliefs and fear of displeasing local deities.
- About 500 households live in tightly packed stone-and-mud houses, with some buildings sharing walls and rooftops connected across long stretches.
- Moving away from the settlement is seen as requiring costly offerings to deities, making relocation difficult for many families.
- The dense layout has increased fire damage and created problems with drinking water, drainage and waste management.
