More than 8,000 registered volunteers will take part in large-scale environmental and infrastructure works across Gelephu, as the fourth phase of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) volunteer service begins tomorrow. For the first time, Pelsung will take full responsibility for volunteer team management and catering services during this phase.
In the earlier three phases, regional offices, Thromde officials, and local communities managed volunteer teams, while Desuups handled catering.
This time, the responsibility has been entrusted to Pelsung personnel currently stationed in Gelephu. GMC officials and Pelsung representatives held a coordination meeting today at the Thromde Conference Hall to finalise arrangements for the programme.
“Pelsuup are currently undergoing training, and it is an opportunity for them. Pelsuup are the future custodian of the economic prosperity of Gelephu Mindfulness City and is given the responsibility of volunteer team management and catering service to the volunteers,” said Gonpo Tenzin, the chief planning officer, GMCA.
According to the Governor’s Office, public response to the volunteer programme has been overwhelming, prompting authorities to close registration earlier than planned due to logistical constraints.
Gonpo Tenzin said, “We had to restrict the registration after crossing 8,000 volunteers because we encountered a logistical issue as we didn’t get access to the hotel, and we have arranged logistics in schools.”
Volunteers will be deployed across seven major worksites, carrying out activities such as trail restoration, bush clearance, lawn development and site improvement.
One of the key tasks includes clearing an 11-kilometre stretch of the Mindfulness Trail, with more than 500 volunteers working to improve accessibility and safety. Nearly 5,000 volunteers will also undertake large-scale bush clearance along the Sanu Ipoly–Paitha Khola highway corridor to enhance road safety and environmental cleanliness.
Additional works will be carried out along the Lotus Born Trail, at the GMC Nursery in Jigmeling, the Bhutanical Park, and the Mao River Lagoons. Forest officials, medical and rescue teams will be deployed to ensure safety and smooth coordination.
The fourth phase of the GMC volunteer service is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
Karma Wangdi/Passang Dorji, Gelephu
