Residents of Gelephu will soon have the luxury to cycle or walk in the woods away from the scorching heat and heavy traffic. The Thromde is constructing a 1.6-kilometre track in the Teak Forest area. Almost a kilometre from Gelephu, the area is located along the Gelephu – Zhemgang highway.
The Gelephu Thromde has identified about 50 acres of land covered in teak trees to develop as City Central Park at Samdrupling Demkhong. The project is estimated to cost Nu 1.5bn. With limited funding to implement the project in a go, the thromde has decided to first construct a bicycle track and jogging trail in the first phase.
“It is not possible to acquire the fund. Thromde decided to initiate the project phase-wise. This time we are constructing a bicycle track and walking trail for people to spend their leisure time,” said Gelephu Thrompon Tshering Norbu.
The Thromde was identified as having the potential to develop a central park in the 12th five-year plan.
According to the Thromde, the development of the city central park and other unique amenities such as a Water Park, riverfront development and facilities for senior citizens and children will benefit the residents.
“Our Bhutanese people have been travelling to Guwahati and Siliguri for the water world facilities. Moreover, there is a potential for receiving people here from the neighbouring towns and countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the construction of the cycling and walking track is scheduled to complete by the end of this month. The project is contracted out at a cost of Nu 10 M from the Thromde revenue.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sonam
