The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) has estimated a total budget of around Nu 600 million for the development of the new Hongtsho crematorium, including the cost of acquiring more than 10 acres of private land.
The project initiated to ease growing space constraints at the Hejo cremation ground has now moved into an advanced design stage, while land acquisition has been fully resolved.
According to MoIT, the concept design for the Hongtsho crematorium has been completed and is currently under discussion with key stakeholders, including the Zhung Dratshang and Thimphu Dzongkhag.
The design work, which had earlier been expected to conclude by August this year, remains ongoing as multiple design options continue to be refined to ensure that the facilities are both functional and culturally appropriate.
A revised completion timeline for the design phase and the start of construction initially expected by the end of this year is yet to be confirmed.
On land acquisition, MoIT confirmed that all compensation agreements for the 10.20 acres belonging to 14 private landowners have been finalized.
Thimphu Dzongkhag is currently in the process of providing substitute land to the affected families.
Transport access and affordability, a major concern raised by public have also been incorporated into the master plan. These measures are expected to support low-income families who may face higher transportation costs due to the greater distance to Hongtsho.
Regarding the capacity and technical features of the crematorium, the design is being developed in close consultation with the Zhung Dratshang to ensure that all religious and ceremonial requirements are met.
A hybrid cremation system with the ability to ignite pyres quickly using minimal firewood is being proposed. This technology is expected to allow faster, cleaner combustion, resulting in fewer ashes and coal residues and making the process of offering ashes to the river more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The final number of pyres, mortuary facilities, ritual rooms, shelters, and visitor amenities will be finalized once stakeholder consultations conclude.
MoIT also stated that the management and operational structure of the new crematorium will be decided by the Dratshang Lhentshog in coordination with Thimphu Dzongkhag.
Meanwhile, the existing Hejo cremation ground’s conversion into a green park has already been designated as a Green Park under the Thimphu Design Code. The full transition will only take place once the Hongtsho site becomes operational.
