Once a dumping site, it is now a park at Isuna in Paro. Inaugurated yesterday, the newly opened park promotes ecotourism and caters to people of all ages. It was developed by the Green Bhutan Corporation, a state-owned enterprise.
Located along the Paro-Thimphu highway, Isuna park is spread over an area of about six acres of land. The park has beach sports facilities and swings.
And in the second phase, an artificial lake with boating facilities and a ropeway across Pachhu will be constructed.
There is also a children’s playground. Moreover, the park is covered with broadleaf trees such as oak trees and ornamental plants.
“Initially this place was used as a dump yard. When we took over in 2017, this was a degraded area. Earlier, the river used to run through the park. But now we have diverted it. We have put a lot of effort starting from refilling topsoil. Now it looks much more natural and we also planted a lot of different species of plants,” said Damber Singh Rai, the Chief Executive Officer of Green Bhutan Corporation.
The park also has basic amenities such as toilets and a cafeteria.
Meanwhile, local leaders and other officials present during the inauguration welcomed the initiative.
“This is one of the places where people illegally dump waste. Now, it is developed into a park which will solve the waste issue. Moreover, we have plans to develop similar parks in other areas,” said Kinley Penjor, the Dogar Gup.
“There are many facilities in this park for people of all ages. During weekends, we can come with our children here,” said Norbu, the Vice Principal of Wangsel Institute for the Deaf.
Visitors will have to pay a minimal entry fee.
The park is also expected to become a tourist spot when the country reopens its borders later this month.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Tshering Zam
