Context: Bhutan is working on a mega project which is envisaged to be the World's first 'Mindfulness City' at Gelephu.
Relevance of the topic: Prelims- Location of Gelephu Mindfulness City
About Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)
- Location:
- GMC is a planned special administrative region and economic hub in Gelephu town, southern Bhutan (spanning an area of 2500 square kilometers).
- It lies strategically at the crossroads of India’s “Act East policy”, serving as a gateway for enhanced connectivity to Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
- Concept: To create an urban environment that integrates economic development with the principles of mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation.
Key Features of Gelephu Mindfulness City:
1. Focus Areas:
- Tourism and Wellness: Positioning GMC as a global destination for healthcare, spiritual and wellness tourism.
- Education and Research: Establishing educational institutions and research centers to foster innovation and knowledge.
- Sustainable Industries: Promoting agri-tech, non-polluting industries (IT, education, hotel, hospital sectors) and forest-based industries.
- Zero Carbon City: GMC is envisioned as a zero-carbon city with a focus on green architecture, mainly solar and hydropower.
- Biodiversity Protection: The project incorporates protected areas, including a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, and river ecosystems.
3. Economic Hub:
- Regional Economic Center: GMC seeks to become a major economic hub for South Asia, driving regional trade and investments.
- Employment Generation: GMC aims to provide employment to Bhutanese youth and prevent their outmigration.
India’s Role:
- Bhutan has sought investment and collaborations from the Indian private sector in infrastructure development, bringing projects in areas such as hotels and hospitality, educational institutions, IT and wellness centres.