Foreword

This urban development plan for Dekiling, approved by the National Consultative Committee for Human Settlements represent a milestone in managing and directing future investments for the planned urbanization of Bumthang township.

The continuing diversification of the economic base within the dzongkhag, from a predominantly agro based lifestyle to a more commercialised and monetised economy in the form of service centres, tourism and resort development, undoubtly requires a viable urban centre with ample scope for future expansion. The new township area at Dekiling would be able to accommodate the population of Bumthang township until the year 2020.

The built environment of the new township at Dekiling will conform to the existing rules and regulations on urban development, namely, the Bhutan Building Rules, Water and Sanitation Rules, Urban Roads Guidelines, and the Traditional Architecture Guidelines.

The provision of all essential urban infrastructure in the new town area and the allocation of plots for private development would, besides further enhancing the living environment, help the residents take ownership of their new permanent township.

The Municipal Boundary for Bumthang township has been extended to include all the urban growth hubs in the periphery of the existing town. The preparation of a comprehensive structural plan is also underway to plan the anticipated growth within the areas of the extended Municipal Boundary and to ensure that Bumthang develops in a planned manner catering to the needs of the local residents and expectations of the nation as a whole. The preservation of the natural beauty of Bumthang and the preservation of its unique traditional architecture would be the main driving force behind any new urban development proposal for Bumthang.

All development plans are dynamic living documents which would require timely and frequent reviews. As such, this urban development plan for Dekiling shall also be reviewed from time to time in close consultation and co-ordination with all the stakeholders involved.

It is envisaged that the successive Chairpersons of the Town Committee would ensure that the developmental activities within the Municipal Boundaries are executed in accordance with the urban development plan and in compliance with the above cited existing planning regulations.

(Leki Dorji)

Dy. Minister
Ministry of Communications