BBSCL

Landowners near the old town of Pema Gatshel are finding land tax filing confusing. They face high property taxes despite the town’s relocation to Denchi in 2023. While they initially welcomed its categorisation as an ‘Urban Centre Without Plan’, they now say it needs updates and reclassification. The issue was recently discussed at the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. The land near the...

The country will construct around 200 kilometres of new road network by 2040, in addition to maintaining the existing road infrastructure. According to the Department of Surface Transport’s draft Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan, the new road network will enhance connectivity and reduce travel time across the country. These roads will be constructed as wildlife-friendly infrastructure, meaning that their construction...

Bhutan requires Nu 750 M over the next decade to protect its tiger population and strengthen conservation efforts. Under the Tiger Action Plan 2024–2033 launched last year, initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols, habitat preservation, human-tiger conflict management and community awareness programmes are being implemented. Last year, over Nu 46 M was allocated. Following the expiry of the 2018–2023 action plan,...

In recent years, sunflower cultivation has gained popularity in Bumthang for oil production. Taking inspiration from such farming practices, now, for the first time, Khar Gewog in Pema Gatshel is also shifting towards large-scale sunflower cultivation. Nearly 100 households are embracing this initiative to diversify agricultural practices and increase incomes. Recently, farmers of Labar, Khengzor and Phadi villages in Khar...