Paro is on the brink of a significant transformation as the Tshongdue Local Area Plan (LAP) gears up to commence in January next year. This ambitious initiative aims to evolve Paro into a sustainable urban hub while preserving its rich cultural landscape and natural heritage.
The Tshongdue LAP is a pivotal element of the broader Paro Valley Development Plan (PVDP) 2017, with completion slated for July 2025. An official from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed, “The tendering process for the preparation of the Tshongdue LAP is currently underway,” signaling the project’s momentum.
Rapid urbanisation in areas like Tshongdue has prompted the need for a structured development framework. In the absence of such a plan, uncoordinated growth and land fragmentation have threatened the overarching goals of the PVDP. The new LAP seeks to address these challenges by establishing a comprehensive spatial framework to effectively manage Paro’s expansion.
Key components of the Tshongdue LAP include infrastructure development, land readjustment, and the reservation of rights-of-way. The plan is designed to rationalize land use, enhance urban infrastructure, improve connectivity, create green spaces, and implement urban design guidelines that ensure a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment.
“To ensure that growth is managed effectively, the LAP will provide detailed guidelines that balance development with environmental and cultural preservation,” the Ministry official added. The plan also emphasizes public engagement, with the ministry committed to conducting at least two public consultations and multiple stakeholder meetings to involve landowners and other key participants in the planning process.
One of the primary challenges in implementing the LAP is preventing new construction and plot subdivisions during the planning phase. To address this, the Ministry has instructed the Dzongkhag Administration to impose a moratorium on construction and plot subdivision until the LAP is finalized. “This measure is crucial to avoid the need for constant revisions to the LAP as development occurs,” the official explained.
Resistance from landowners and stakeholders poses another potential obstacle, as some may oppose changes to their properties or development rights. To mitigate this, the ministry plans extensive public consultations and awareness campaigns aimed at building consensus and highlighting the long-term benefits of planned urban development.
The Tshongdue LAP is also in harmony with the larger Thimphu-Paro Regional Strategy, which seeks to translate high-level visions into actionable investment plans for future infrastructure projects. Additionally, the expansion of Paro International Airport, encompassing over 90 acres, has been incorporated into the Bondey Local Area Plan, underscoring the region’s commitment to comprehensive and coordinated development.
As Paro prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the Tshongdue LAP stands as a testament to the region’s dedication to sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and enhanced quality of life for its residents.
