One week after the inauguration of the Chang Yul Park, Kuensel interviewed Tashi Penjor, Director of Department of Human Settlement, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT)

With the inauguration of the Chang Yul Park in Thimphu, we see a third-world truck park transformed into a modern innovative space which includes a playground for children, social centres for people, gardens for nature lovers, lawns for picnickers, facilities for fitness enthusiasts, and much more. Where did all these concepts and ideas come from?

What you see is yet another step in realising His Majesty The King’s vision to transform Bhutan into a 21st-century blend of tradition and modernity. This seven-acre park helps our capital city grow into an inclusive, resilient, and culturally enriched urban landscape.

His Majesty entrusted globally renowned experts led by Jonathan F.P. Rose from the US and Jonathan Rose from the UK to help review and revise the Thimphu structure plan. As advised by them, the MoIT hired ARUP International to sketch a high-level concept which was then converted into a detailed design and implemented by the government. 

This was made possible with the blessings, continuous guidance and handholding of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck and generous support of more than 600 De-Suups who were assigned from February 2023.

The media described the Chang Yul Park as a Royal gift to the people of Thimphu. Isn’t it a gift for all the people of Bhutan?

Chang Yul Park is a hub for community engagement, and a beacon of sustainable urban development. This park not only enhances the quality of life for Thimphu’s residents but also sets a new standard for urban green spaces in Bhutan, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

It is an inspiration for all Bhutanese. It is a celebration of creativity of the environment, and the evolving Bhutanese identity. It embodies Thimphu’s Vision for an inclusive, resilient, and culturally enriched urban landscape.

Over the past months we saw the orange-clad De-Suups busy at work. Are they skilled to this level? Could it have been done without the De-Suups?

The park was built by a dedicated team of architects, urban planners, engineers, and a workforce of over 130 skilled and unskilled workers. More than 600 De-Suups did 60 percent of the work they were simultaneously trained and hired by construction companies. They certainly made it possible to transform a vacant parcel of land into a vibrant riverside destination for residents, tourists, and visitors alike.

What was the expenditure on the park? How will it be sustained?

The government spent Nu 140 million. The park will be sustained through entry fees as well as income from the facilities based on the five themes that define the park.

Some of our elders in the past would say that Bhutan itself is a huge park. We are rich in flora and fauna. So what makes the Chang Yul Park different?

Yes, we are proud of our pristine ecology, but the national landscape is changing with the growth of urbanisation. There are new ideas introduced in the park.

International experts and consultants brought new ideas technology, and expertise and these were cleverly merged with traditional Bhutanese icons like the Bazam, Talakha and Wangditse lhakhangs as strategic backdrops.

What could have deteriorated into a public open-air toilet is now a beautiful riverfront featuring an elevated, arc-shaped boardwalk with wavy railings and a jogging bridge that provides panoramic views of the Wangchhu (river). A floating bar and cafe is a highlight, all showcasing intricate timber construction techniques, modern interior lighting, and furnishings that create a cosy ambience perfect.

We have made sure that the functions are all nature-based solutions. For example, a French drainage system with underground pipes, borewells and rain gardens, asphalt paths and cushioned jogging tracks, park-edging using steel – automated popup sprinkler irrigation systems to ensure that it remains environmentally sustainable.

Most of these, including the uniquely designed lamp posts were made at the site.

Thimphu’s largest Rose Garden and other beautiful plantations, were initiated in the park by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck.

In Bhutan, sometimes things start with a bang and fizzle out. How will this be prevented?

The fees will meet the day to day expenditure but, in a way, this is just symbolic.

A management will also be instituted soon to manage and maintain the park. There are hardy low maintenance local flowers and plants and trees.

The real purpose and value of this Royal initiative is the sense of ownership that all of us must develop. Each one of us is equal owner of this beautiful park. We are talking about a new mindset, new knowledge, and expertise.

What have we, as Bhutanese decision-makers, planners, and citizens learnt from the creation of the Chang Yul Park?

The Chang Yul Park is itself very much an important feature of Thimphu’s and Bhutan’s transformation.

With the help of Jonathan F. P. Rose and Jonathan Rose, we have finalised the Thimphu structure plan as a city that is a fine example of modern, innovative, and progressive urban development.

It reflects the hierarchy of open spaces at the national, dzongkhag, and city levels. It provides the setting for our sacred heritage sites and structures. We are protecting the natural landscape. The Thimphu green belt will halt urban sprawl by restricting urban growth and protecting the unique setting of Thimphu, providing inclusive accessfor leisure and recreation, and improving climate resilience through mitigation of hazard risks. The Wang Chhu Corridor extending from Dodena in the North to Rama in the South (and eventually connecting Chuzom) is a visionary urban regeneration project that aims to establish an ecological, movement and recreational spine through the city. It will combine flood resilience with new and enhanced public open spaces and active travel routes that connect communities.

We are witnessing an urban transformation – the evolution of culture, nature, lifestyle, behavioural and mindset changes, the sense of ownership and preservation. This forward-looking approach to urban development conveys our cultural heritage yet with a modern appeal. We are defining and protecting Bhutan’s identity

What we see now is a dynamic Thimphu masterplan being achieved. This inspiration and energy in urban development is the essence of transformation that will define urbanisation for a new era.