Paro Valley Development Plan which was implemented six months ago in Paro has left many locals disappointed.
Local leaders also complained that the plan is confusing and not applicable. They added the plan has affected many residents. “When our land falls on Green Zone, the govt. should give us land replacement. But when people approached the Land officials, they were told no directives have been received for land replacement and hence, cannot offer it,” said Tshering Dorji, the Chairperson of Paro Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT).
Some other local leaders also said, all construction works had to be stopped due to identification of Green Zone in the development plan. “As per the green zone map, many of our land inherited from parents where construction was permitted before, now fall in the environment conservation precinct and building houses are restricted,” added Gup of Hungrel Gewog, Gyem Thinley.
The development plan was framed by Ministry of Works and Human Settlement with an objective to promote integrated planning by keeping traditional architects intact and cultural landscape preserved.
The planning boundary extends from Sharpa Gewog to Tshento Gewog. But the plan allows construction of only two-storey buildings in rural area and this according to gups seems unreasonable.
The Chairperson of Paro DT, Tshering Dorji told: “If we are only allowed to construct two-storey houses, in future Paro will be filled with houses. When we construct houses, we take loans from banks, and with just two storey house, it is difficult to pay back the loans. We can’t rent out and generate income. If we are allowed to construct three-storey structures, it would help us while dividing the inherited land.”
The DT decided to request the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement to revisit the development plan and discuss with people on protected areas to avoid confusion in the future.
