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Gelephu Mindfulness City: A Hub of Knowledge, Technology, and Finance
Context:
At the Global Conference of the International Co-operative Alliance in New Delhi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay highlighted Gelephu Mindfulness City as Bhutan’s largest co-operative project. Spanning 2,500 square kilometers, the zero-carbon city is being developed with India’s support.
Gelephu Mindfulness City: Bhutan’s Vision for Sustainable Growth and Regional Connectivity
Vision and Purpose:
- Announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on December 17, 2023, Gelephu Mindfulness City is a major initiative to position Bhutan as an economic hub linking South Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Spanning 2,500 square kilometers in southern Bhutan, the city is designed to combine modern economic development with Bhutan’s core values of Gross National Happiness (GNH), emphasising sustainability, cultural preservation, and spiritual growth.
Key aspect of the Project:
- Business and Economic Hub:
- The city will be developed as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), offering businesses a legal framework that aligns with global financial hubs while maintaining Bhutan’s unique cultural identity.
- Key sectors such as bioscience, data centers, education, and energy will thrive, with businesses invited based on their alignment with Bhutan’s sustainable development goals. The city will prioritise hydropower, solar, and wind energy, aiming for a zero-carbon footprint.
- Sustainable Infrastructure and Design:
- The city’s design, spearheaded by architect Bjarke Ingels, incorporates Bhutanese culture into modern architecture, with inhabitable bridges, green mobility solutions, and low-rise buildings made from local materials.
- Environmental sustainability is central, with plans for carbon-neutral construction, permeable roadways, and urban farming spaces. The project will also feature a Vajrayana center and blend traditional medicine with modern healthcare.
- Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure:
- Strategically located, Gelephu Mindfulness City will enhance regional connectivity through investments in railways and an international airport, facilitating trade and tourism.
- The Bhutanese government, with support from India, is focused on improving infrastructure to connect the city with neighboring regions.
- Community and Workforce Development
- Upskilling: The city aims to create sustainable jobs for Bhutanese citizens by investing in upskilling programs and providing local opportunities in emerging sectors.
- Reducing Migration: The project also aims to reduce migration by offering meaningful career paths and enhancing Bhutan’s economic self-sufficiency.
- Global Partnerships and Future Prospects
- With backing from international investors such as the Adani Group in sectors like solar energy and hydropower, Gelephu Mindfulness City is positioned for success.
India’s Contribution to the Project:
- India is supporting key infrastructure development, including railways and roads, to enhance connectivity and boost trade.
- Indian companies are also involved in energy projects, particularly in solar and hydropower sectors, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.
Impact of the Project:
- Local Impact: GMC will create jobs in sectors like renewable energy, construction, and IT, with a focus on upskilling the local workforce to actively contribute to the city’s growth.
- Regional Impact: The project strengthens Bhutan’s position in the South and Southeast Asian economic corridors, fostering trade and collaboration.
- Global Impact: GMC will serve as a model for sustainable urban development, showing how economic growth can coexist with environmental sustainability. Additionally, it will address rural-to-urban migration by creating opportunities in southern Bhutan.
