Context:
Pitching the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City as the biggest “co-operative project” in Bhutan, the Bhutanese Prime Minister recently said that he was grateful for India’s support on the 2,500 sq.km. “Zero Carbon” city being developed.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC):
- Gelephu Mindfulness City is a pioneering urban initiative aimed at blending economic development with principles of mindfulness, holistic living, and environmental sustainability. Located in south-central Bhutan, this project expands over 2,500 square kilometers, making it larger than Singapore.
Strategic Vision and Benefits:
- Visionary Leadership: The project is a brainchild of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, designed to create a unique Special Administrative Region (SAR) within the country.
- Proximity to India: Strategically positioned along the border with Assam, India, GMC is expected to have significant positive impacts on its neighboring regions in terms of economic and cultural exchanges.
Key Features of GMC:
- Urban Design: The city is planned to feature inhabitable bridges and will maintain a low-rise architectural style to preserve scenic vistas and landscape integrity.
- Health and Education Facilities: Facilities for both Western and traditional medicine will be available, alongside a university, enhancing the city’s educational and health care capabilities.
- Community Layout: The urban layout includes eleven ribbon-like neighborhoods designed around the natural topography of 35 rivers and streams, resembling mandalas with central public spaces.
- Infrastructure: Key infrastructural developments will include an international airport, markets, and spiritual centers to support both the local economy and spiritual wellness of its residents.
- Environmental Strategies: Innovative measures such as urban terraces and paddy fields along rivers will address flood protection, integrating agricultural practices with urban planning.
- Governance and Legal Framework: GMC will operate with a high degree of autonomy, having its own government, legislative body, and independent judiciary.
- Conservation Areas: The planning includes two protected areas, a national park, and a wildlife sanctuary, highlighting the commitment to environmental conservation.
Strategic Impact and Future Prospects:
- GMC aims to be a model for future cities, focusing on sustainability and mindfulness as core principles of urban development.
- The city is poised to be a significant player in promoting regional development, particularly enhancing cross-border relations with India through cultural and economic interactions.
- By incorporating extensive green spaces and sustainable practices, GMC aligns with global goals for sustainable urban development and conservation.
-Source: The Hindu
