Thimphu:
Bhutan, considered to be one of the happiest countries in the world, is working on a mega-project that will not only explore how to achieve sustainable living, but a global economy unlike any other in the world today. To be a model. Project – A Mega ‘Mindfulness City’ in Jalifoo.
Although it is called a city, it is huge – spread over 2,500 square kilometers. It is a Special Administrative Region (SAR). It will have its own government and will have its own legislature as well as an independent judiciary. But what makes it special?
The Gelepho ‘Mindfulness City’ will have two protected areas – a national park and a wildlife sanctuary. It will have rivers capable of generating 4000 to 5000 MW of electricity through renewable energy. It has forests, biological corridors and is rich in wildlife. It has its own agricultural centers and small towns.
The ‘Mindfulness City’ project has been conceptualized by King Jagme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. The motivation behind it is to improve the lives of Bhutanese people and take Bhutan to the next level. A place where people can live in harmony with others from all over the world.
The people of this city will live with the nature and biodiversity of the region. “This is what we call ‘Gross National Happiness 2.0,'” Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobge said recently at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV World, the Bhutanese prime minister said that the ‘Galipho Mindfulness City’ will “directly benefit India” as the city is “placed along the border with India in Assam. “
‘Mindfulness City’ – but why in Jalifoo?
The Botani prime minister said the land in Galifo is “beautiful and pristine”, adding that the region is a biological hot spot, with abundant potential for clean energy, but why this mega-project here? He had asked the king why such a project was not being considered for Thimphu or Paro – where the infrastructure was ready, like airports, highways etc.
The King’s one word reply to the Prime Minister was “India”. He then explained that “Our future is linked with India. If we choose another location, such a project can be successful. It can have its challenges, but if we go along the border with India. will plan it, then the concept itself will lead to success, because Bhutan’s future is intrinsically linked with India,” the prime minister recalled telling the king.
“Finally I understood the strategic importance of the project,” he said. “Gelepho Mindfulness City is not about Bhutan – it is about Bhutan and India.
Details about the city
Once built, Bhutan’s ‘Mindfulness City’ will cover about 2.5% of the country and be larger than the whole of Singapore. Another local comparison would be to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. While Jalifau City will be more than 2500 square kilometers, the capital city of Thimphu covers only 26 square kilometers.
The city will be built around a series of habitable bridges. It is expected to be a low-rise city with its own university, healthcare facilities for both western and traditional medicine. It will also have several bazaars and spiritual centers.
There are also plans to build a hydroelectric power project and a hydroponic greenhouse.
It will be spread over 11 major mahals that will spread across thirty-five rivers and streams in the region. The city is designed and planned in such a way that the neighborhoods will be like mandalas, with public spaces oriented toward the city center.
The city will be entirely based on Bhutan’s philosophy of total national happiness that has been praised worldwide. At the time of the project’s announcement, the Kingdom of Bhutan said that “Mindfulness City will be unique because it will not only prioritize economic development, but will focus on the personal well-being of each resident.”
The city will have its own international airport, the construction of which has already started.
Galifou ‘Mindfulness City’ rethinks what cities of the future should look like, how they should function and how sustainable living can be achieved with an eco-friendly approach.
Bhutan News
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