More ‘breather space’ for residents in Thimphu

The residents of Thimphu, the largest town and capital city of Bhutan can breathe a sigh of relief since more recreational parks are in the offing, initiated by Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) under Department of Forests and park Services (DoFPS). 

It has always been the concern of Thimphu residents that the concrete jungle is rapidly taking over the landscape with little or not much of attention given to development of recreational parks. DoFPS seems to be now addressing the concerns of the Thimphu populations.

"has facilities such as long and short nature trails, campsite with toilet facilities, picnic spot, twelve garbage bins donated by different travel agencies"

 
The Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park located in proximity to Buddha point is already providing services although it is yet to be formally inaugurated. Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, according to Kezang Dema, Forest Officer with NRED , has facilities such as long and short nature trails, campsite with toilet facilities, picnic spot, twelve garbage bins donated by different travel agencies, six canopies, thirty six benches, asphalted approach road, entry gate, parking space and signage in place. She said that the park will be inaugurated and formally opened to the public before the end of this year.

"Currently two forest officials are looking after the overall management and daily activities of the park"

Although the department already has one such recreational park at Lamperi, it’s one hour drive from the capital. The distance may be restraining some section of the population from visiting such parks. But the increasing number of visitors that Lamperi Park receives round the year is vindication of park enthusiasts.

The development of eco-campsite at Phajoding in Thimphu is also finalized with the designing already completed. NRED is waiting to float the tenders for constructions which will be done soon after the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation release the funds. The design was selected by a committee at the ministry level with inputs also from Division for Conservation of Heritage Site under Department of Culture. The project would be jointly implemented in consultation with relevant stakeholders such as Tourism Council of Bhutan, Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators, Department of Culture, Phajoding monastic school and others.

The campsite will have compound fencing, water supply, toilet, kitchen, canopies, camping ground (open and with shed), walking trails, resting benches, waste bins and information signage. The environmental education for monks will also be an integral component of such facilities at Phajoding. “We’re involving the Principal of Monastic School and other stakeholders in all stages of incepting such facilities,” stated Tshewang Lhamo, focal forest officer for campsite. She added that once established, the facilities will be handed over to the monastic school to be managed and maintained by them. 

They can charge certain fees and maintain a common saving account. The accumulated money can be used for maintenance and the remaining thereof can be utilized for school development. However, NRED will continue to provide technical backstopping and guidance. Besides, this would also help to address the mounting garbage problem faced by the school with proper management and placement of garbage bins in the campsite and along the trails. Such initiative is also expected to contribute towards maintaining the sanctity of the oldest religious cultural heritage site.

"Although, not much is known, another park within the Thimphu Municipality can also be expected"

Such inception of nature recreational parks is expected to provide alternative place for the people to spend their quality time out of the hustle and bustle of the city. The working lots can take a break from their stressful work and lighten up their work pressure while friends and families can also pack up eateries and enjoy within the surroundings of serene and tranquil nature.