4.5.1 ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING SCENARIO

Thimphu valley is enriched with several religious and historical sites and structures that have witnessed Thimphu’s glorious past. Bhutan has a unique style of Architecture and Urban Design, which is reflected and preserved by these sites and structures. They are well and truly the ‘Heritage Precincts’ of Bhutan. To study and understand the Bhutanese culture and way of life, it becomes imperative to assess the present scenario of such heritage structures, which are a part of this religious and traditional society.

The assessment of the existing scenario should start with registering the heritage sites and structures. It is followed by classification of heritage structures based on different parameters such as their use, physical condition, historical and architectural importance and ownership. The assessment would not be complete without the study of religious and cultural activities associated with the heritage structures and the potential to boost tourism.

4.5.2 INVENTORY OF IMPORTANT HERITAGE STRUCTURES

While inventorying, the heritage sites and structures are classified based on their religious or secular character. Religious structures are further classified as per their building typology into Dzongs, Lhakhangs or Goempas, Chortens, Mani Walls (Prayer Walls), Prayer Wheels and Deity Statues. Secular structures are classified into Royal properties, public buildings and traditional societies. All inventory nomenclatures (L1, etc.) are based on the geographic locations from north to south.

(D): Dzongs: Dzongs are strategically located fortified Monasteries originally intended for the functions of religious as well as administrative nature. Historically they housed religious as well as administrative bodies and were equipped with defence mechanism against any offensive venture. In today’s context, they are only a religious institutions with the exception of Tashichho Dzong that still retains its administrative character as well. Thimphu’s Dzongs are:
D1: Tashichho Dzong
D2: Simtokha Dzong

(L): Lhakhangs or Goempas: They are Buddhist Temple Complexes. They have several shrines, with or without residential accommodation for the monks. Lhakhangs are of two types viz. Cluster type, in which a few shrines and residential accommodation for the monks are located at a close distance, and Dzong type, in which the shrines and residential accommodation for the monks are enclosed by an enclosure wall. The District Sangha Committee Offices (Rabdey), Meditation Centres (Drubdra) and Monastic Schools (Shaydra) are included under this category. Thimphu’s Lhakhangs are:
L1: Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang
L2: Deling Kusum Lhakhang
L3: Dechenphu Lhakhang (Outside Municipal Boundary)
L4: Dechencholing Palace Lhakhang
L5: Dechencholing Goempa (Outside Municipal Boundary)
L6: Taba Lhakhang
L7: Samteling Road Lhakhang
L8: Jongshina Lhakhang
L9: Dechenphodrang Lhakhang
L10: Zilukha Lhakhang
L11: Changangkha Lhakhang
L12: Chang Lhakhang (In disuse near Swimming Pool complex)
L13: Yarden Lam Lhakhang
L14: Dungkhor Lhakhang
L15: Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
L16: Police Ground Lhakhang
L17: Zinley Dongkhar Lhakhang
L18: Changzamtog Lhakhang
L19: Samarzinkha Lhakhang
L20: Samarzinkha Road Lhakhang
L21: Tandin Ney Lhakhang
L22: Lungtenphu (Army) Lhakhang
L23: Lungtenphu (Old) Lhakhang
L24: Barpa Lhakhang
L25: Gangchen Nyizer Lhakhang (Outside Municipal Boundary)

(C): Chortens: Chortens are Stupas, meant as places of worship, many times erected in memory of monks or great personalities. In Bhutan, they are erected also to pin down evil spirits or to mark way to Lhakhangs or to commemorate places where Guru Rimpoche had stayed. They are of three types viz. Stone Tower type (eg. Khamzug Chorten), Bodhnath Stupa Style (e.g. Memorial Chorten), and Tibetan type. Chortens constructed in Tibetan style are rare unlike those in the other two styles. Unlike Dzongs or Lhakhangs, Chortens may not have any names and hence for inventory, they are identified and named after localities of most prominent landmark nearby. Thimphu’s Chortens are as follows:
C1: R B G Golf Course (North)
C2: R B G Golf Course (South)
C3: Dechencholing
C4: Samteling - Dechencholing Road (North)
C5: Samteling - Dechencholing Road (South)
C6: Samteling - Dechencholing Road (Stream)
C7: Dechen Lam (North) - Taba
C8: Dechen Lam (South) - Taba
C9: Jongshina
C10: India House
C11: Hejo (East)
C12: Hejo (West)
C13: Hejo (South)
C14: Zilukha
C15: Golf Course
C16: Tashichho Dzong (North)
C17: Tashichho Dzong (South)
C18: Tashichho Dzong (Traffic Circle)
C19: Chhubar Chhu - Wang Chhu Junction
C20: Painting School
C21: Finance Colony
C22: B B S Tower (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
C23: Motithang
C24: Changangkha (West)
C25: Changangkha Lhakhang
C26: Off Thori Lam
C27: Rabten Lam
C28: National Technical Training Authority (NTTA)
C29: Doebum Lam
C30: Near R I C B Colony
C31: Gongzu (Memorial) Chorten
C32: Lungten Zampa
C33: Khamzug Chorten
C34: Chang Gedaphu
C35: Chang Bangdu (North)
C36: Chang Bangdu (South)
C37: Chang Bangdu (West)
C38: Chang Jiji
C39: Lungtenphu (North)
C40: Lungtenphu (South)
C41: Simtokha - Proposed Expressway
C42: Near DANTAK Campus
C43: Near Simtokha Dzong
C44: Near Power Station
C45: DANTAK - River
C46: Babesa (North)
C47: Babesa (South)
C48: Near Direction Deity Statue
C49: Barpa - Western Bank of the River - West (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
C50: Barpa - Western Bank of the River - East (Beyond Municipal Boundary)

(M): Mani Walls (Prayer Walls): Mani Walls are stone walls with the carving of the sacred Mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” and sacred formulae related to Bodhisattva’s life. They are often long and narrow, made in stone masonry and covered by a roof of wooden shingles or clay tiles. They many times mark a way to a Lhakhang or other place of worship. Like Chortens, they may not have name and hence are identified with reference to their locality. The eleven Mani Walls in Thimphu valley are:
M1: Pangri Zampa
M2: Dechencholing Goempa (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
M3: Jongshina
M4: India House
M5: Hejo
M6: Dechenphodrang
M7: Lungten Zampa
M8: Changangkha
M9: Chang Jiji
M10: Simtokha
M11: Barpa (Beyond Municipal Boundary)

(PW): Prayer Wheels: A wheel or a series of wheels, with the inscription of the prayer “Om Mani Padme Hum” has a distinct sacred character associated with it. Prayer Wheels vary in size and depending on whether they are part of a religious complex or not, vary in number as well. The wheel is always rotated clockwise as part of a prayer. Running water, often diverted from streams, rotates larger Prayer Wheels or springs and such Prayer Wheels is a unique feature of Bhutanese way of life. In this inventory, Prayer Wheels as part of religious complexes are not considered separately. Singular Prayer Wheels detached from other religious structures are as follows:
PW1: Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang
PW2: Dechencholing Traffic Circle
PW3: Dechencholing Goempa (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
PW4: Taba
PW5: National Assembly Building
PW6: High Court
PW7: Finance Colony
PW8: RSTA Bus Stand
PW9: Lungten Zampa School
PW10: Above YHS Campus
PW11: JDNWR Hospital
PW12: LungtenphuTraffic Circle
PW13: Serbithang

(DS): Deity Statues: Statues of Direction Deities are ceremonially erected as an auspicious sign. It is believed that they protect the area from evil spirits. Though they are a part of most religious complexes, rarely they are erected outside those. One such example is the Guardian Deity Statues near Barpa Lhakhang in Babesa.
DS1: Near Barpa Lhakhang

Note: Prayer Flags are believed to be a medium of conveying prayers to the heaven. As they flutter by wind, they carry the prayers of humans to the souls of the deceased in heaven. A typical Prayer Flag is a long, slender tree bark or a bamboo erected vertically on the ground. The actual flag is of cloth, with a ‘mantra’ print on it. The flag is almost as long as the pole with a nominal width. They are found in numerous locations in and around the town. Only important locations with a concentration of Prayer Flags are considered in this proposal.

(R): Palaces and Royal Properties:
R1: Dechencholing Palace

(P): Public Buildings and Structures:
P1: Tashichho Dzong Footbridge
P2: National Assembly Building
P3: National Library Building
P4: Heritage Museum
P5: Royal Pavilion
P6: State Guest House
P7: Youth Centre

(S): Settlements with Traditional Residential Buildings: The city comprises of a number of old villages, some of which are characterized as traditional settlements. These are the areas where the houses are old traditional designs and are located close to one another resulting in relatively dense population. Invariably, sparsely settled residential areas surround these areas. The Traditional Urban Villages have different characteristics. Many traditional structures have given way to modern buildings in Jongshina, Langjophaka, and Simtokha, while Zilukha, Dechencholing, Chang Jiji, and Babesa have still maintained their traditional character. These settlements show distinct use of traditional materials of mud and timber and are built using traditional building technology. They are characterized by three - storey construction, ground storey as cattle shelter and storage, first storey as living quarters and second storey as sleeping quarters. There is an attic to dry and store commodities. Over the years in many traditional houses, the cattle shelter has given way to living quarters. The cluster of these houses is generally oriented around a small Chorten. Traditional settlements have a unique character and ambience and they deserve to be preserved. Such settlements in Thimphu are:
S1: Dechencholing
S2: Jongshina
S3: Samteling
S4: Hejo
S5: Langjophaka (Below Dechen Road)
S6: Zilukha
S7: Kawang Jangsa
S8: Zangdo Pelri
S9: Chang Jiji
S10: Lungtenphu
S11: Simtokha (Near the River)
S12: Babesa

4.5.3 CLASSIFICATION OF HERITAGE STRUCTURES BASED ON THEIR PRESENT PHYSICAL CONDITION

Factors to be considered for such classification:
• Magnitude of dilapidation
• Effect of other (Developmental) Activities

Classification based on the above parameters would be purely based on the primary survey, as so far, no inventory of such structures is available with the concerned departments. Such surveys have to be carried out by Architects, Planners or suitably qualified persons from the concerned departments. It is suggested that these surveys should be carried out at the earliest so as to facilitate conservation and restoration measures.

4.5.4 CLASSIFICATION OF HERITAGE STRUCTURES BASED ON THEIR IMPORTANCE

The heritage structures are classified in the following categories based on their importance as regards:
• Historical importance
• Socio - Cultural Importance
• Religious importance
• Architectural importance
1. Structures with importance on National Level:
a. Tashichho Dzong
b. Simtokha Dzong
c. Dechenphodrang Lhakhang
d. Changangkha Lhakhang
e. Tandin Ney Lhakhang
f. Gongzu (Memorial) Chorten
g. Khamzug Chorten
h. Tashichho Dzong Footbridge
i. National Assembly Building
j. National Library and National Archives
k. Folk Heritage Museum
l. Textile Museum

2. Structures with importance on City or Regional Level:
a. Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang
b. Dechenphu Lhakhang (Outside Municipal Boundary)
c. Dechencholing Goempa (Outside Municipal Boundary)
d. Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
e. Hejo (East) Chorten
f. Hejo (West) Chorten
g. Hejo (South) Chorten
h. Tashichho Dzong (North) Chorten
i. Tashichho Dzong (South) Chorten
j. Tashichho Dzong (Traffic Circle) Chorten
k. Chang Bangdu (South) Chorten
l. DANTAK (River) Chorten
m. Babesa (North) Chorten
n. Babesa (South) Chorten
o. Chorten near Direction Deity Statue
p. Serbithang Chorten
q. Pangri Zampa Mani Wall
r. Hejo Mani Wall
s. Dechenphodrang Mani Wall
t. Prayer Wheel at Dechencholing Traffic Circle
u. Prayer Wheel at Simtokha Traffic Circle

3. Structures with importance at Local or Neighborhood level:
All structures mentioned in the inventory, but not listed in the above two categories, are classified as structures with importance at local or neighborhoods level.

4.5.5 CLASSIFICATION OF HERITAGE STRUCTURES BASED ON OWNERSHIP STATUS

The heritage sites are classified in three categories based on their ownership, viz. Government Ownership, Public Group Ownership, or Public Trust Ownership and Private Ownership.

TABLE 4.5: Classification of Heritage Structures based on Ownership Status

This classification has following limitations: Apart form the religious structures mentioned in the above table, the ownership status for other Lhakhangs and for Chortens apart from the Memorial Chorten remains unknown because of following:
a. Incomplete registration and records regarding such inventory with the concerned departments
b. Multiple naming of same religious structure in form of Religious name and Popular (Daily Usage) Name leading to difficulty in identifying the said structures
c. Constraints of time and resources to carry out primary surveys to find out and relate the religious names and popular names.

4.5.6 INVENTORY OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH HERITAGE STRUCTURES

The religious events associated with heritage structures are as follows:

TABLE 4.6: Inventory of Religious and Cultural Events Associated with Heritage Structures

4.5.7 PROPOSALS

4.5.7.1 PROPOSALS RELATED TO PHYSICAL CONDITIONS OF THE SITES AND STRUCTURES

a. Conservation and Restoration of structures
b. Enhancement of sites or structures

‘Formation of Heritage Zones’ can be used as an effective tool to conserve and enhance the heritage sites.
• It is proposed that a strip of land surrounding the heritage site would form a part of the ‘Heritage Area.’ The width of this strip of land would be one hundred meters in the case of monuments of national importance, fifty meters for monuments of city or regional level importance and twenty - five meters in case of monuments of local / neighborhood level importance. No construction should be allowed in this zone and the land should be utilized in a passive manner to conserve or enhance the heritage site or structure (for example, use of flood lights for night illumination, development of gardens to increase the aesthetic appeal of the place etc.)
• Land surrounding this zone would form ‘Regulated Development Zone’. The extent of this zone would be decided on case to case basis and could vary as per respective situations, taking into account, the topography, land use etc. in this zone, construction should be allowed only for following purposes:
a. Religious
b. Museum depicting religious or cultural heritage
c. Institutions for religious or cultural studies
d. Parks and gardens and
e. Public Conveniences such as toilets, telephone booths, tourist information centers, taxi stands etc.

The constructions in this zone should be guided appropriately so as to compliment the heritage sites and not to overshadow or dominate the same. The vacant land surrounding the identified monuments should be purchased by or transferred to the Central Heritage Committee (Refer to Section 4.5.7.8 on Financial and Legal aspects). Appropriate strategy should be evolved for conservation and enhancement of heritage areas surrounded by developed land.

4.5.7.2 STRUCTURES AND SITES IDENTIFIED FOR CONSERVATION OR RESTORATION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Lhakhangs:
L3: Dechenphu Lhakhang (Outside Municipal Boundary)
L5: Dechencholing Goempa (Outside Municipal Boundary)
L10: Zilukha Lhakhang
L12: Chang Lhakhang

• Chortens:
C14: Zilukha
C41: Simtokha - Proposed Expressway
C45: DANTAK - River
C46: Babesa (North)
C47: Babesa (South)
C49: Barpa - Western Bank of the River - West (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
C50: Barpa - Western Bank of the River - East (Beyond Municipal Boundary)

• Mani Walls:
M5: Hejo
M10: Barpa (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
Traditional Settlements (Urban Villages):
S1: Dechencholing
S2: Jongshina
S3: Samteling
S4: Hejo
S5: Langjophaka (Below Dechen Road)
S6: Zilukha
S7: Kawang Jangsa
S8: Near Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
S9: Chang Jiji
S10: Lungtenphu
S11: Simtokha (Near the River)
S12: Babesa

4.5.7.3 STRUCTURES AND SITES IDENTIFIED FOR ENHANCEMENT OR PRECINCT DEVELOPMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Dzongs:
D1: Tashichho Dzong
D2: Simtokha Dzong

• Lhakhangs:
L1: Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang
L9: Dechenphodrang Lhakhang
L11: Changangkha Lhakhang
L15: Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
L17: Samarzinkha Lhakhang
L19: Tandin Ney Lhakhang
L21: Barpa Lhakhang

• Chortens:
C9: Jongshina
C11: Hejo (East)
C12: Hejo (West)
C13: Hejo (South)
C16: Tashichho Dzong (North)
C17: Tashichho Dzong (South)
C18: Tashichho Dzong (Traffic Circle)
C22: B B S Tower (Beyond Municipal Boundary)
C31: Gongzu (Memorial) Chorten
C32: Lungten Zampa
C33: Khamzug Chorten
C36: Chang Bangdu (South)

• Mani Walls:
M1: Pangri Zampa
M3: Jongshina
M4: India House
M5: Hejo
M7: Lungten Zampa
M8: Changangkha
M9: Chang Jiji
M10: Simtokha
M11: Barpa (Beyond Municipal Boundary)

• Prayer Wheels
PW2: Dechencholing Traffic Circle
PW12: Simtokha Traffic Circle

• Public Buildings and Structures:
P1: Tashichho Dzong Footbridge
P2: National Assembly Building
P3: National Library Building
P4: Heritage Museum

All other heritage sites and structures should be marked as Protected sites and should be maintained by public trusts or public groups with technical assistance from the National Commission for Cultural Affairs.

4.5.7.4 GENERAL GUIDELINES RELATED TO ACCESSIBILITY TO ABOVEMENTIONED STRUCTURES:

• Promotion of vehicular access ways: It is proposed that the heritage structures should have a proper vehicular access up to a point that is at a reasonable distance from the actual structure or site. That point should mark the end of vehicular access and from there such structures should be accessed through pedestrian path only. The identification of such points would depend on the factors like topography, availability of parking space etc. The present vehicular access ways to Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang, Dechenphu Lhakhang, Samarzinkha Lhakhang and Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang should be improved. Vehicular access ways to other heritage structures should be maintained.

• Promotion of pedestrian access ways: As mentioned above, it is proposed that the heritage sites should be approached by a pedestrian way linked to a point of vehicular access located at a reasonable distance from the actual heritage site or structure.

The heritage sites are proposed to have a pedestrian link connecting them with one another. This link is a part of the “Pedestrian Pathway and Cycle Track” (Forest Walkway) that should demarcate the ‘No Development Area’ from other areas. This circuit may fall beyond the present city limits at some locations. This circuit joins Simtokha Dzong, Samarzinkha Lhakhang, Tandin Ney Lhakhang, Taba Lhakhang, Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang, Dechenphu Lhakhang, Dechencholing Goempa, Samteling Road Lhakhang, Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, Chakurtse Lhakhang, BBS Tower Chorten and Changangkha Lhakhang.

The other pedestrian circuit, joining the heritage structures is proposed along the Wang Chhu. It would connect Barpa Lhakhang, proposed site of the Past Buddha Statue Precinct, Chang Jiji Heritage Village, Memorial Chorten Precinct Entrance, proposed site of Present Buddha Statue Precinct, Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang Precinct, Tashichho Dzong, proposed site of Future Buddha Statue Precinct and Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang at Pangri Zampa.

• Discouragement of vehicular access ways: It is proposed that the traditional settlements should have pedestrian access only with a provision of vehicular access at a reasonable distance. Such traditional settlements should be cordoned by some design control such as stone paved roads etc. The development within such traditional settlements should be viewed sensitively and be allowed selectively taking in to account the architectural character, choice of building materials and technology etc. so as to be in harmony with the traditional settlement. These settlements are Dechencholing, Samteling, Jongshina, Hejo, Langjophaka, Zilukha, Kawang Jangsa, Near Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang, Chang Jiji, Lungtenphu, Simtokha and Babesa.

4.5.7.5 INTEGRATION OF HERITAGE SITES WITH THE CITY AND THE OPEN SPACE SYSTEM THROUGH ACCESS WAYS:

Buddhist society is religious in nature and visiting religious places is certainly an integral part of daily life. The religious sites are associated with several religious and social events as described earlier in this note. It is only appropriate that the plan should encourage the interaction of such places with rest of the city.

One way to achieve this is to link the heritage sites with the open space system so as to encourage people to visit such places. This would also be helpful for people visiting the heritage sites in having passive recreation and religious activities in a manner complementing one another. An effort is made to integrate heritage sites with the open space system and waterfront development. Several heritage sites would be part of the said recreation (passive in most occasions) areas. Such areas are Barpa Lhakhang, Babesa settlement, Simtokha settlement, Chang Jiji Heritage village, Samarzinkha Lhakhang, Gongzu (Memorial) Chorten, Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang and Khamzug Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and National Assembly Building, Changangkha Lhakhang, Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, Hejo Chorten, Taba Lhakhang, Dechencholing Palace and Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Lhakhang at Pangri Zampa. Besides integrating heritage spaces with open space system, the interaction between the heritage sites and the city could be encouraged by provision of footbridges in traditional style. Such footbridges across the river that would be a means of achieving such integration are proposed at following locations: the junction of Ola Rong Chhu and Wang Chhu, Chang Jiji Heritage village, Chang Bangdu, near Samarzinkha barracks, near Kuensel Office, on southern side of Lungten Zampa, across the island near the vegetable market, across the island near the India House, the junction of Silikha stream and the Wang Chhu and the junction of Menchuna stream and the Wang Chhu.

4.5.7.6 PROPOSALS RELATED TO MANAGEMENT ASPECTS:

a. Introduction of Heritage Walks

A heritage walk is a walk connecting different religious and heritage structures in the valley. Scenic spots and viewpoints are also included in these walks. A facility of a professional guide to accompany the aspirants should be made available. Appropriate signage system should be designed to assist the walkers. The proposed stoppages should have basic public conveniences and basic tourist facilities. The proposed heritage walks are as follows:

Note: Apart from the locations for stoppage facilities mentioned above, public convenience facilities are proposed in Community Open Spaces (as part of proposed Open Space System). People undertaking heritage walks can use these facilities as on many occasions; heritage monuments and open spaces are integrated or linked.

Salient features of Heritage Walks:

1. Simtokha Dzong to Tandin Ney Lhakhang:

This walk connects two important religious places in the valley. It involves considerable climb from Ola Rong Chhu up to the proposed adventure trail and a considerable descent after Tandin Ney Lhakhang to reach Lungten Zampa. This walk offers numerous viewpoints overlooking the valley. The approximate time taken for this walk is three hours.

2. Wangchutaba Chortens to the Island of past the Buddha:

This walk emphasizes on the traditional route leading to Thimphu. It follows a series of Chortens along the eastern bank of the Wang Chhu and terminates at the proposed precinct of the Past Buddha monument. This is an easy walk, without any steep climb and expected to take around one and a half hours.

3. Lungten Zampa Circular Trip:

This walk covers major religious and heritage monuments in and around the old City Core. It is likely to assume the status of one of the most important walks of the valley. It is a comfortable walk with occasional climb before Changangkha Lhakhang. This walk cuts through most of modern Thimphu and leads to the traditional settlement near Zangdo Pelri and covers places of great historical significance. The time required to complete this walk would be around four hours.

4. Proposed Dzong Gateway to the Island of the Future Buddha:

This walk demonstrates the religion and culture of Bhutan at its best. It is an easy and pleasurable walk linking the religious edifices such as the Tashichho Dzong and Dechenphodrang Lhakhang to the cultural Institutions like the Heritage Museum, the Painting School and The National Library. The expected time for this walk is around three hours.

5. Tashichho Dzong Footbridge to Dechenphodrang Lhakhang:

This walk is a short walk, focusing on the Image of the City, “The Tashichho Dzong”. This is a comfortable walk lasting for around two hours. This walk culminates at Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, overlooking the Dzong, offering magnificent views.

6. Pangri Zampa to Dechenphu Lhakhang:

This walk covers the heritage monuments in the northern part of the town, away from the mainstream town life. It offers a quite and serene environment in harmony with nature. It presents an opportunity to wander along the adventure trail passing through deep forests, connecting the religious places known for their serene ambience. At times, this walk could be strenuous between Dechencholing Goempa and Dechenphu Lhakhang. The expected time to complete this walk is around four hours.

7. Dechenphodrang Lhakhang to Dechenphu Lhakhang:

This walk offers great opportunity to people with an inclination to explore the odd way. This walk connects the important religious monuments through a slightly difficult terrain and through dense forests. It is a long walk and is expected to take around five hours.

TABLE 4.7: Proposed Heritage Walks (Click to view the table)

b. Introduction of Heritage Drive

A heritage drive is a drive connecting different religious and heritage structures in the valley. Scenic spots and viewpoints are also included in these drives. It is advisable to take the help of a professional guide. The proposed stoppages should have basic public conveniences and basic tourist facilities. All stoppages should have adequate parking facilities. These drives should prove appropriate for those who cannot walk long distances and those who have time constraints. The proposed heritage drives are as follows:

TABLE 4.8: Proposed Heritage Drives (Click to view the table)

Note: Apart from the locations for stoppage facilities mentioned above, public convenience facilities are proposed in Community Open Spaces (as part of Proposed Open Space System). People undertaking heritage drives can use these facilities as on many occasions; heritage monuments and open spaces are integrated or linked.

4.5.7.7 NEW PROJECTS

a. Heritage Monuments Precincts:

Some monuments are identified as heritage monuments for conservation and restoration or monuments for enhancement (Refer to Section 4.5.7.2), while some monuments form part of the proposed Open Space System. The heritage structures marked for enhancement are proposed to have precincts. A typical heritage monument precinct should have an emphasis on enhancing the heritage structure by conservation or restoration and by designing the surroundings by sensitive and complimenting landscape and architectural elements. The suggestions relating to controlled development should also be enforced. The precinct development measures for monuments associated with the Open Space System are explained in the projects and actions for proposed Open Space System. Important heritage monuments should have basic public conveniences and facilities, provided in such a way so as to be conspicuous to be noticed by not offending the monument. The heritage monuments associated with the proposed Open Space System are Barpa Lhakhang, Chortens at Babesa, Islands of Past Buddha, Present Buddha and Future Buddha statues. (refer to the note on page 89 in conjunction with this proposal).

b. Prayer Wheels:

Prayer Wheels driven by the running water from streams and springs are an important feature with respect to religious as well as architectural aspects. Such Prayer Wheels play an important part in the lives of religious Bhutanese people. Such Prayer Wheels can be located near the perennial streams and springs with proximity of road or foot trail for convenience of the people. Such probable locations are near the present Direction Deity statue in Babesa, near DANTAK settlement in Babesa, near Simtokha Dzong (on other side of Ola Rong Chhu), near the River View Hotel, at the junction of Wang Chhu and Chhubar Chhu, upper Motithang and on Zilukha, Taba and Dechencholing streams. The Prayer Wheel should be enclosed by a pavilion and should be surrounded by seating arrangement and “Parikrama” path. Such Prayer Wheels should be lit during nighttime and the same stream based on the same principle, which runs the wheel, can generate the electricity required to light it.

c. Statues with Surrounding Enhancement:

It is proposed to erect the statues of the Past Buddha (Lord Kashyap), the Present Buddha (Lord Shakyamuni) and the Future Buddha (Lord Maitreya) at the confluence of the Wang Chhu and Ola Rong Chhu, on the island in Wang Chhu near Changlimithang and on the island in Wang Chhu near the India House respectively. This should help in portraying the image of this Buddhist Kingdom as well as in inspiring people to try to lead an ideal life, besides in generating a feeling of devotion. These statues would form part of the proposed Open Space System and should be erected on high plinths with a pavilion enclosure. They can be soberly lit at night. The appropriate direction, to which they face, may be finalized after consulting the noble astrologers.

d. Memorial Chorten Precinct Development:

The detailed proposal for Memorial Chorten Precinct Development is explained separately under the heading of Projects of Special Significance. Here, only the important features of that proposal are mentioned. Viz.
a. Accentuation of current entrance with a lotus pond.
b. Designing a grand flight of steps (108 steps) forming the eastern axis.
c. Creation of public green along Dzongchhen Lam.
d. Realignment of Doebum Lam and Chorten Lam at junction of Dzongchhen Lam.
e. Realignment of Royal Bhutan Police campus along Dzongchhen Lam.
f. Designing of a ceremonial entrance from the river with creation of a ‘Ghat.’
g. Enhancement of the (filled) cave below Lungten Zampa (The Bridge of Prophesy), which is believed to have been used for meditation by Lama Phajo Dugom Shigpo who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan in the 12th Century.

e. Tashichho Dzong Precinct Development:

The detailed proposal for Tashichho Dzong Precinct Development would be a separate exercise that would be carried out in detail while preparation of the Local Area Plans. After preliminary study for this proposal, it is suggested that the design would be based on following principles:
a. Accentuating the north - south axis from Chhubar Chhu Circle to Hejo junction by pedestrian pathway
b. Accentuating the East - West axis through pathways, proposed lotus pond between the Dzong and the River and relocating the proposed Supreme Court near National Assembly Building
c. Development of open space system to the south of the Dzong
d. Incorporation of traditional mythological concepts like the ‘Mandala’ in the planning and designing of various spaces.

f. Development of Tashichho Dzong Gateways:

It is proposed to develop Chhubar Chhu Circle and Hejo junction as Tashichho Dzong Gateways. The detailed proposal would be part of Dzong Enhancement Proposal, which would be submitted separately. The important features of this proposal are as follows:
a. Defining and regulating land use and architectural character of the area around Chhubar Chhu Circle and Hejo junction
b. Ensuring visual linkages from Chhubar Chhu Circle and Hejo junction to Tashichho Dzong
c. Relocation of offices of the Ministries to probable areas of Kawang Jangsa and Zilukha
d. Creation of a public open space around the Dzong
e. Creation of a boulevard of administrative nature below Zilukha and shifting the present Government offices to Zilukha - Kawang Jangsa.

g. Development of Cultural Center at Kawang Jangsa:

Kawang Jangsa area has institutions of national importance such as the National Library, the Heritage Museum and the Painting School. Based on the previous proposal by National Commission for Cultural Affairs (NCCA), it is suggested that the Kawang Jangsa area should be treated as a ‘Heritage Area’, characterized by cultural institutions. A cultural center has been planned in this area (by National Commission for Cultural Affairs) facilitating cultural and linguistic studies, providing a forum for exhibitions and seminars, a facility of an open - air theatre, an auditorium and a modern library.

h. Development of Heritage (Artisans) Village at Chang Jiji

It is proposed that Chang Jiji village should be assigned the status of ‘Heritage (Artisans) Village. All the existing structures should be conserved and modifications to these structures or new constructions should be strictly under guidance of the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. The present owners and occupants should be given some assistance in cash or kind to maintain the structures. The Government should purchase their property and rehabilitate the owners in case the owners express their inability to maintain the structures. The available built up space should be rented to the artisans practicing the “Thirteen Traditional Arts of Bhutan”. The Government should encourage the arts by allowing the artisans to exhibit and sell their creations in this artisan’s village. The other activities allowed in this village should be lodging and boarding facilities on ‘Paying Guest’ basis and serving the traditional Bhutanese cuisine for the visitors.

4.5.7.8 PROPOSALS RELATED TO FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS:

a. Means and Ways to Generate Finance:

The financial requirement of the heritage and religious structures for their maintenance, enhancement and in some cases, survival should be met through the following means:
a. Grant from the Royal Government
b. Entry charges for tourists
c. Parking charges for all vehicles (Tourist or otherwise)
d. Lease charges for small shops selling “Pooja Requirements” or souvenirs
e. Donations from patrons and common public

b. Constitution of Central Heritage Committee

It is proposed that a central agency should be constituted that may be named as Central Heritage Agency, empowered to finance, to provide technical assistance and to implement the works regarding conservation and enhancement of the heritage area. It should have powers to acquire land in the vicinity of the heritage area (where no development has taken place), protect the land and develop it as it deems fit. It should be responsible for protection, restoration and enhancement of heritage sites. Its jurisdiction could be at district level. The committee should have representatives of local community and Gewog committee, along with nominated technical staff. They should have powers to generate and manage the revenue in a manner, which will not be detrimental to the monuments. This committee should decide about the means and ways to conserve the monuments and the land surrounding it. Heritage structures that are owned privately, should be preserved by purchase, financial assistance, or offering benefits like transfer of development rights.

Note:Please click on the following links to view the map.

MAP NO. 4.5 PROPOSED HERITAGE PRECINCTS

MAP NO. 4.5A PROPOSED HERITAGE PRECINCTS

MAP NO. 4.5B PROPOSED HERITAGE PRECINCTS

MAP NO. 4.5C PROPOSED HERITAGE PRECINCTS

TABLE 4.9: Proposals for Heritage Precincts