Thimphu Thromde’s initial plan to remove parking spaces along the Norzin Lam is on halt after the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement (MoWHS) suggested the thromde to review the plan.
Earlier the thromde decided to remove the parking spaces after the Thimphu Tshechu. According to the MoWHS, they asked the thromde to review the plan before executing. This is because there are many other infrastructural developments that have to be taken before pedestrianisation of the road.
“Before they implement the pedestrianisation which is an issue and will be an issue, we have requested them to review once more so that other public infrastructures are in place. If they could implement everything stepwise, it would be better,” said Dorji Tshering, the MoWHS Minister.
Moreover, the former cabinet has also issued an order to freeze the plan of removing parking spaces along Norzin Lam based on the submission of shopkeepers. Thromde, however, said that thromde has carried out a consultation meeting and that it has been discussed in the meeting.
According to the MoWHS minister, although thromde has the authority to fulfil its mandate as per the Local Government Act 2009, the former cabinet has issued an order which is still valid.
Thromde, on the other hand, said the plan was as per their master plan and that the execution of the plan has been postponed for few months.