Bhutan's Plan to Build Mindfulness City to Boost Economy

thimphu - Bhutan, a tiny country in the eastern Himalayas, aims to construct a new city called Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) to promote mindfulness and attract both spiritual residents and tourists.

Bhutan, nestled between India and China, has initiated the issuance of state bonds to fund the construction of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in a special economic zone. The city aims to become an economic corridor connecting India and Southeast Asia, attracting businesses in finance, technology, agriculture, tourism, and spirituality.

The GMC will offer serene green spaces for meditation and promote eco-friendly transportation like cycling and walking. Additionally, wellness resorts will be established to cater to tourists. Bhutan aims to raise approximately $100 million through bonds and expects a 21-year timeline for the completion of GMC, envisioning a population of over a million residents, including expats.

However, critics raise concerns about the project's reliance on India for infrastructure support, as Bhutan lacks direct access to ports. The Indian government has signaled willingness to link the Indian railway and road network to that of GMC, highlighting collaboration between the two nations.