𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 – 𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐬

The comprehensive town development plan for Nganglam reflects a timely and strategic approach to balanced regional growth. By prioritising infrastructure, industrial investment and integrated urban planning, the initiative addresses both immediate needs and long-term objectives. This form of guided development is not only relevant to Nganglam but offers valuable lessons for every dzongkhag.

What sets this effort apart is its clarity of vision. The plan goes beyond short-term fixes and aims to build the foundation for a well-structured town with clearly defined spaces for residential, commercial and industrial zones. In doing so, it avoids the pitfalls seen in some urban centres that struggle today due to poorly planned layouts, narrow roads, and inadequate drainage and sanitation systems. When growth is not anticipated early, towns become overcrowded, inefficient and costly to manage.

Nganglam’s example underlines the importance of a plan that respects the local context while aligning with national goals. The town’s proximity to industrial corridors, the presence of key economic establishments, and its border location offer specific advantages that the plan capitalises on. This approach should inspire other dzongkhags to reflect on their own comparative strengths- be it natural beauty, heritage, strategic location or agricultural potential- and create development plans that are equally rooted in local relevance.

The integration of industrial estates, improved transport infrastructure and a fully equipped international checkpoint shows how development can serve multiple purposes. These initiatives will support trade, tourism and investment while generating jobs and expanding local markets. Importantly, the plan also considers the welfare of farmers and small business owners through support for agro-based industries, market access and value addition.

It is equally encouraging to see tourism being treated as part of the broader strategy. For dzongkhags with strong cultural or natural attractions, tourism can serve as a sustainable economic driver. The key, as seen in Nganglam’s case, lies in building the right infrastructure- accommodation, roads, waste management, and local service capacity- before the arrival of large visitor numbers. Tourism must be planned to benefit local communities and not overwhelm them.
Other dzongkhags can draw meaningful insights from this model. Each district has its own unique character and potential. Development should not follow a one-size-fits-all model but must be guided by careful study, consultation and coordination. Whether it is agro-processing in one dzongkhag, cultural tourism in another, or knowledge and digital services elsewhere, each region can contribute meaningfully to the national economy when provided with the right framework.

This is not just about one town or region. For Bhutan to grow as a resilient and equitable nation, every dzongkhag must evolve with foresight. Future infrastructure must be built with scalability in mind. Roads must be designed with room for expansion. Housing layouts must consider public spaces and community facilities. Drainage, water supply and waste management systems must be designed for durability and efficiency.

Now is the time to move from planning to action. Bhutan’s vision of becoming a developed nation will only be realised when every dzongkhag moves forward with a clear purpose, sound planning and implementation that respects local identity while contributing to national progress.