Bhutan’s Urbanization Strategy & Process

Geo Intelligence Asia 2016 2nd March 2016 Greater Noida, INDIA

Meghraj Adhikari Urban Specialist (mradhikari@mowhs.gov.bt) Department of Human Settlements Ministry of Works and Human Settlements Thimphu: Bhutan

Bhutan’s National Urbanization Strategy & Process

1. Background/Introduction 2. Current status 3. Governance Structure 4. Bhutan’s National Urbanization Strategy 5. Bhutan’s Urban Planning Process 6. Urbanization and Culture 7. Survey & Mapping 8. New Challenges 9. Conclusion

1. Background/Introduction

• Modern development initiated in 1961

• Prior to 1961 predominantly rural settlements

• With development two settlements of Thimphu and Phuntsholing picked up

• Urbanization is not based on industrialization but administrative reforms & creation of service centres

• Rapid urbanization since 1981

2. Current Status

• GIS introduced since 2000 but its effective use is lacking • Cadastral information is collected but its dissemination

needs further improvement • Geodetic data collection is in progress but it takes long to

reach the desired level due to resource constraints. • The inventory of urban infrastructure is recognized • Two urban hubs are in planning stage that are designed to

absorb population moving towards economically active areas

• Spatial Planning Act and Standards are drafted to meet the legal challenges and to promote a technically sound planning methodology

Village Clusters

3. Governance Structure

• Constitution provides for at least one district & satellite town in every district

• 4 towns declared in 2010 by Parliament for local government and mayors elected.

• Additional 16 districts & 20 satellite towns declared by Parliament in 2015

• New declaration to ensure a balanced development & avoid concentration of settlements in few areas

• Local governments have elected mayors supported by town council , technical and administrative set up

4. Bhutan National Urbanization Strategy

• Study conducted based on Housing & Population Census

2005 • Indicates rapid urbanization • Predicts urbanization to cross 70% by 2020 against earlier

estimation of 50% • Major shift of population from eastern region to capital

Thimphu and other economically active settlements • There are 63 settlements potential for urban development • Interventions initiated to promote balanced development-

regional hubs

Bhutan map and towns

5. Bhutan's Urban Planning Process

• Highly consultative method of plan preparation

• Land pooling is an accepted technique

• Highly professional maps required to prepare smart urban development plans & convince the general public

• Professionally prepared land data is a pre-requisite.

Master Plan Goals & Recommendations

Master Plan, Focus Areas

The Master Plan

Landscape Conservation and Risk Management of Natural Hazards

Main Tourism Goals

6. Urbanization & Culture

• Bhutan’s development philosophy is based on GNH

• Out of 4 pillars culture is very important from physical perspective

• All existing development is dependent on cultural landscape : Nodal points for urban growth are Dzongs, Agricultural areas, big hydropower projects, Modern institutional areas.

• Traditional architecture promotes culture and is made mandatory for aesthetics and uniqueness.

7. Survey & Mapping

• All declared towns to be mapped

• Delimitation plans prepared for election purpose but needs improvement

• Topographic maps are required to plan virgin areas and for urban renewal

• National land use plan needs to be developed

• Regional and valley development plans need priority to promote a regionally balanced development

• Structure and local area plans are urgently required to mobilize resources and enhance quality of life

8. New Challenges: Climate change & disaster risk

• Water sources are drying

• Rain is more erratic

• Risk of glacial lake outbursts

• Flash floods are common

• Land slides are frequently interrupting the surface transport thereby affecting the life of people

• Dry winters become fire risks particularly for forests

Traditional architecture & changing landscape

Streetscape with traditional & modern architecture

Modern buildings with traditional facade

New Urban form with Traditional architecture, open space & temple

9. Conclusions

• Prepare national land use plan

• Prepare regional plan

• Prepare Geo-hazardous maps

• Use satellite imageries for preparation of macro level plans

• Prepare water shed area maps for effective management

• Prepare thematic maps e.g. heritage sites, environmentally sensitve area maps etc.

Spiritual and Cultural Landscape

Today’s Settlement Form

Future Form of Settlement

A highway settlement planned

All new constructions will be in traditional style

Traditional architecture & people with traditional costumes

Planned urban form

Rear Façade of the housing

Conclusions…. (continued)

• All planning and implementation are dependent on maps

• Technology is improving very fast but accessibility is limited because of resource constraints

• Sometimes technology is available but capacity lacking e.g software, hardware and skills do not match

Tashi Delek