To review the achievements of the Thimphu Structure Plan 2002- 2022, the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement in collaboration with Thromde, carried out an extensive socio-economic survey recently. The extensive survey that covered all households within Thimphu Thromde and the six peri-urban areas will also enhance the data collected in the past to bring in developmental changes.
The collection of data was carried out from September 21 and ended on 5th October. Unlike past surveys, the recent survey collected data on an app, ‘Zhi Char’. The collection of information begins from the building owner with details on the building, and its occupancy type. Then data from all the units in the building are collected including the number of people in a unit, their occupation, income and contact number among others.
“We are doing it for two purposes, Firstly, our Thimphu Structure Plan is under review and it will be amended soon. So this geodatabase will form an important critical base data. Secondly, we wanted a proper database for Thimphu that we do not have it right now,” said Bhawana Chhetri, the Chief Urban Planner at the MoWHS.
All these details will also help develop a Geodatabase for the Thromde and its peri-urban areas. It is a GIS-based platform with details of all buildings, infrastructures, services and utilities.
“Right now what’s happening is we do have data but all are at scattered locations with different agencies. The main reason is we want to have a centralized GIS data management system wherein we will be sharing the data with relevant agencies also. So now, this would be the base data and we will update as and when required,” she added.
She said Thimphu Thromde will monitor and update the change in information of tenants through a web-based portal which is yet to be developed.
She added the agencies can use the data to bring in developmental activities in terms of education, health, housing and many more.
According to the Ministry, such a data centre will also help the Health Ministry during the COVID-19 situation in terms of contact tracing, vaccination and other necessary activities. She added the data would be useful in all kinds of disasters and emergencies.
With the development of the data bank, the ministry plans to start a Druk Map Application later where people can navigate using a Global Positioning System or GPS. The ministry is also planning to collect data on transport, water bodies, and all other natural and manmade structures to improve the geodatabase.
The final reports of the survey are expected to be ready by June next year.
Kinley Dem
