In an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve the local economy through tourism, the Bumthang Dzongkhag Administration has launched an initiative called Beautiful Bumthang on March 23.
The project is a collective effort of the administration, all regional offices in the district and the local people.
With the launch of the initiative, plantation of various flowers and trees from Kurje to Jalikhar were carried out. Almost all the plants and flowers are those that are natively grown in Bumthang. Landscaping and land reclamation works were done to develop parks and gardens.
“We are especially focusing on attracting more Bhutanese and tourists to visit Bumthang through such initiatives, which will help enhance the local economy. Our vision is to revamp and transform Bumthang into an exceptionally beautiful place,” Bumthang Dzongda Pasang Dorji said.
At present, 10 zones have been identified to be taken care of by the public offices and hoteliers and local people have voluntarily adopted three.
There is no separate budget allocated for the completed beautification works. It all happened with sheer volunteerism and collaboration.
“With His Majesty The King’s command, we have already built a Chorten on the way to Kurje and Jambay Lhakhangs. We now want to keep the place filled with greenery and flowers. We want to keep it clean with beautiful trees and plants growing around it,” Thinley, a Retired Soldier, said.
The initiative is a long-term project and there are various other plans, which will be carried out in the future.
By next year, there will be riverfront-developing works along Chamkharchhu for cycling and other recreational activities.
An information centre about Bumthang for all tourists and visitors will also be set up. There are also plans to construct a traditional bridge or Bazam near Chamkhar Village.
Cycling tracks and jogging trail will be developed along with the construction of footpath and other sports facilities at Kurkurbithang.
Four villages, one from each gewog have been identified as a Garden Village where beautification works will be carried out.
