In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and community well-being, the Thimphu Ecological Park, nestled below the serene Changangkha Lhakhang, is set to undergo a transformative makeover by September this year.
This ambitious endeavor, aptly named the Revitalisation of Ecological Park project, was unveiled on World Environment Day by Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, marking a significant milestone in Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Fueled by the generous funding support from the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTF), the restoration efforts will be spearheaded by the Thimphu Thromde, under the visionary guidance of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, recipient of the esteemed “Champion of Rising Leaders Award” for her unwavering dedication to environmental conservation.
The Thimphu Ecological Park, a sprawling 10.77-acre sanctuary established in 2016, is a haven for biodiversity, boasting a rich tapestry of wetlands teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Home to 130 plant species, including herbaceous plants and shrubs, and the endangered wood snipe, Gallinago nemoricola, the park serves as a vital water reservoir and carbon sink, epitomizing Bhutan’s deep-rooted reverence for nature.
Addressing the pressing need for rejuvenation, Sonam Wangchuk, Chief Environment Officer of Thimphu Thromde, emphasized the imperative for sustained maintenance, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced safety measures to optimize the park’s utility and allure for residents and visitors alike.
Presently, the park grapples with dilapidated footpaths, antiquated facilities, neglected gardens, and inadequate lighting, detracting from its potential as a premier recreational destination. Under the ambitious revitalization project, a comprehensive overhaul is imminent, encompassing the development of accessible footpaths, seating amenities, a welcoming entry gate, sanitary facilities, and a picturesque gazebo.
Furthermore, meticulous attention will be devoted to preserving the park’s aquatic ecosystem, ensuring the pristine condition of waterways and ponds, while embellishing the landscape with vibrant hedges, fruit orchards, and ornamental gardens, breathing new life into the verdant expanse.
With an estimated cost of Nu 2.463 million, the restoration endeavors signify a concerted commitment towards sustainable urban development and ecological stewardship, underscoring Bhutan’s unwavering dedication to harmonizing progress with nature’s rhythms.
Dr. Karma Tshering (PhD), Managing Director of BTF, affirmed the institution’s steadfast support, pledging continued financial backing to sustain the park’s vitality in perpetuity, in collaboration with the Youth Development Fund (YDF) and Thimphu Thromde.
As the countdown to the park’s rejuvenation commences, anticipation brims with excitement, envisioning a future where the Thimphu Ecological Park emerges as a vibrant testament to Bhutan’s enduring legacy of environmental consciousness and communal harmony.
In the words of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, “Together, we embark on a journey of renewal, preserving nature’s bounty for generations to come, nurturing a legacy of resilience and reverence for our planet.”
As the winds of change sweep through Thimphu’s verdant heart, the Thimphu Ecological Park stands poised to blossom anew, a beacon of hope and inspiration for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
