The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Nu 210 million project to transform former sewerage ponds into a 21-acre public park
The Tshalumaphey Ecological Park project in southern Thimphu has achieved about 20 percent physical progress as of September, according to Karma Wangchuk, Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, who shared the update during the 32nd Meet-the-Press. The park will cover about 21 acres and is part of the Green Infrastructure and Open Spaces programme under the Thimphu Structure Plan. It will feature gardens, walking areas, riverfront spaces and wetland features.
The project is currently under implementation. The former sewerage ponds have been dewatered and desludged, while river-protection, pond, earth-mound and water-supply works have also been completed. The project has a total allocation of Nu 210 million, funded through the Government of India Project-Tied Assistance (GoI-PTA). Work is planned to continue in phases through the 2027–2028 financial year.
Karma Wangchuk said dewatering and desludging the former ponds were the first steps in preparing the site for public use. The ministry will ensure that the site is safe, clean and suitable before opening it to the public. The ministry is leading the project in close collaboration with Thimphu Thromde. Arrangements for the management and operation of the park after completion are being discussed to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Once completed, the park is expected to provide residents with additional public open space and more places to walk and relax close to nature and the riverfront. The pond, wetland and river-protection components are also expected to support water management. The broader program aims to protect habitats, connect ecological areas and strengthen resilience to climate hazards while improving the liveability of Thimphu for its residents.
