The steady arrival of thousands of volunteers for the fifth round of voluntary works under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative is reshaping more than just construction sites. Across town, businesses are experiencing a surge in activity, turning an otherwise quiet period into one of the busiest times local traders have seen in recent months.
Streets that once moved at an unhurried pace are now buzzing with energy. Restaurants are serving larger crowds, shops are reporting brisk sales, and accommodation facilities are operating at full capacity as volunteers from across the country settle into town.
Retailers say the change has been immediate. Work-related items — including hats, gloves, sickles and protective arm sleeves — have become top sellers, reflecting the practical needs of those participating in the voluntary programme. Shop owners note that a significant share of their new customers are volunteers preparing for daily tasks.
The hospitality sector is also witnessing unprecedented demand. At Lama Residency, a small hotel located in the heart of Gelephu, every room has been taken by volunteer groups. Staff members say they have had to turn away multiple booking requests, some from large groups, due to a lack of space — a rare occurrence for the modest establishment.
Restaurants and eateries are experiencing similar pressure. Kitchens are operating at a faster pace than usual, preparing meals throughout the day to keep up with the influx of visitors. Many owners say the increase in group dining has significantly boosted daily revenues.
Local grocery stores report perhaps the most visible financial impact. According to one shop owner, earnings that typically ranged between Nu 12,000 and 15,000 per day have climbed to nearly Nu 30,000 during the voluntary works period. The surge, they say, is largely driven by volunteers purchasing food, parking essentials and everyday supplies.
The ripple effect extends beyond retail and dining. Parking fee collectors have observed a sharp rise in vehicle traffic entering the town, attributing the increase to the presence of volunteers and ongoing activities connected to GMC. Meanwhile, vendors at the Gelephu Bounty Market say new customers are arriving daily, purchasing fresh vegetables and fruits in greater quantities than before.
More than 16,000 volunteers are currently engaged in the fifth voluntary works programme, and their presence is proving to be a powerful catalyst for local commerce. With additional activities planned in the months ahead, many business owners express cautious optimism that the economic momentum will continue.
For residents and traders alike, the volunteer movement represents more than community service. While participants work toward building the foundations of the future Mindfulness City, their presence is simultaneously strengthening livelihoods across Gelephu — offering a glimpse of how development initiatives can energise local economies long before construction is complete.
