Gelephu Mindfulness City is an ambitious urban development project situated in Bhutan, encompassing an area of 1,000 square kilometers. This city is located near the town of Gelephu, which lies along Bhutan’s southern border with India. The aim of this development is to establish an economic hub and a gateway for tourists, reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to the Gross National Happiness philosophy by placing equal importance on both economic progress and personal well-being.
The city is strategically positioned near Gelephu, a vital border town in southern Bhutan. This location has been selected to serve as a key crossing point for Indian travelers, facilitating easy access for tourists who wish to explore the broader regions of Bhutan.
The masterplan for the city is filled with innovative concepts, including a series of unique inhabitable bridges. These bridges will house an international airport, a university, healthcare facilities that merge Eastern and Western medicinal practices, hydroponic greenhouses, cultural and spiritual centers, a local goods market, and a hydroelectric dam.
In its design, Gelephu Mindfulness City seeks to harmonize with the natural environment by incorporating the region's rivers and streams. The layout organizes neighborhoods in mandala patterns around central public spaces. Additionally, urban terraces and paddy fields along the rivers are intended to mitigate flooding, serve as biodiversity corridors, and preserve wildlife migratory pathways.
What sets this city apart is its design philosophy, which is deeply rooted in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness ideology. The city emphasizes both economic advancement and the well-being of its inhabitants. Furthermore, it plans to utilize local materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo in construction, while employing innovative urban planning practices that seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape.
As of now, the construction of a new international airport and a dry port is already underway. However, the timeline for completing the entire project remains uncertain, as it will be contingent on the pace of business developments. The Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) is envisioned as a long-term initiative that will evolve progressively over the years.
The project aspires to elevate economic development in southern Bhutan while ensuring the well-being of its residents. By attracting tourists and incorporating sustainable practices, it aims to set a new benchmark for urban planning that respects both nature and local culture.
There are several challenges that could hinder the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City. These include the necessity to balance rapid urban growth with environmental conservation, ensuring that the infrastructure adequately supports both local communities and tourists without overwhelming the natural landscape, and upholding the Gross National Happiness philosophy amidst the pressures of modernization and globalization.
This philosophy emphasizes prioritizing the happiness and well-being of citizens over mere economic advancement. Its impact is evident in the city’s focus on sustainable living, community-oriented urban planning, and the incorporation of cultural, spiritual, and environmental values into its design.
The long-term aspirations for Gelephu Mindfulness City include creating a model urban area that exemplifies sustainable development, economic growth, and enhanced well-being while adhering to the principles of Gross National Happiness. Moreover, it aims to serve as a blueprint for future urban developments that can potentially be replicated in Bhutan and beyond.
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