Residents of Paro and Paro Dzongkhag launched a campaign, “I am My Community” to create awareness on Paro Town’s vision, mission and strategy on Saturday. It is the part of Project Mikhung, a community building initiative by Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD).
Through the campaign, the residents, Members of Parliament, local leaders, Dzongkhag officials and development partners are made to understand the roles and responsibilities of the community to realize the town’s vision of “a safe, green, clean and culturally vibrant town.”
The campaign will develop a sense of ownership and explore ways to influence planning and policy through civic engagements.
“For example, if the drain near our house is blocked, we shouldn’t be waiting for the Thromde or the government to clean the drain. Instead, thinking that the drain is dirty and it will affect our health, we have to clean it. We have to have the realization and in order to spread this realization, we have this initiative.” said Sonam Ura, the Project Manager at BCMD.
It also reiterates the importance of engaging public opinions and having a dialogue with decision makers to plan better for the community.
“To this day, the government had formulated plans and carried out developmental works. Government has been planning alone and made the decisions. This needs to be changed. In Democracy, public opinion and public consultation are important. Before any developmental activities or plans are made, it is important to discuss with the people and people should be participating. People should exchange plans and activities that would help them with the decision makers,” he added.
Paro Dzongkhag signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the stakeholders involved to assure the realization of the vision.
The campaign is the result of the visioning exercise held in July last year by BCMD where residents and Dzongkhag officials drafted and adopted a vision, mission and strategy for Paro town.
