In the National Day address, His Majesty The King underscored land equity as a foundational pillar of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), cautioning that mismanagement of land ownership could undermine the project even before it fully takes shape. In a far-sighted and people-centred address, His Majesty made it clear that GMC’s success depends not only on infrastructure and investment, but on fairness, inclusion, and intergenerational justice.
“As work on GMC progresses, one matter weighs heavily on my mind: the management of land. Even if all other aspects of GMC proceed smoothly, mishandling land could undermine the entire project. Much of the private land within GMC belongs to rural families, including many who received Kidu from His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. This land is precious, and if it were to leave the hands of its rightful owners due to rumours, impatience, or lack of information, it could create serious challenges,” His Majesty said.
Drawing from Bhutan’s own urban experience, His Majesty reflected on the lessons learned from earlier development centres.
“In Thimphu and Paro, we have already seen how opportunities can benefit the well-prepared while others are left behind. Loss of land leads to regret, social divides, and disharmony,” His Majesty cautioned.
Reaffirming that GMC is a national project belonging to every Bhutanese, His Majesty emphasized that its benefits must extend far beyond geographical boundaries or present generations.
“GMC is a project for all Bhutanese. It must benefit every Bhutanese equitably, including those who do not currently own land within Gelephu. Ownership fosters commitment, and commitment must be intergenerational and safeguarded. Success should benefit not only the present generation but many to come. Every Bhutanese must contribute, shape, and protect the future of GMC, and in doing so, the future of Bhutan. With dedication, shared responsibility, and determination, GMC will rise to its full potential,” His Majesty said.
Addressing concerns surrounding land security and equity, His Majesty outlined a transformative and inclusive solution.
“That is why, for this challenge too, we have found a solution: GMC will be structured as a company, with shares tied to land holdings. Landowners will retain their stake. Of the one million acres within GMC, 94 percent is state land, reserved for Bhutan and shared among the people of all 205 gewogs.”
“This ensures that landowners maintain their holdings and benefit from GMC’s growth, while all Bhutanese share in the prosperity it creates. This framework will bridge gaps between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots,’ provide opportunities for youth, and support experienced entrepreneurs while cultivating a new generation of capable, productive entrepreneurs. In this way, GMC becomes a platform for the future of the nation, benefiting everyone,” said the King.
Expressing unwavering resolve, His Majesty said, “If this project were to fail, we could always return to simpler livelihoods, but with careful planning and collective effort, its success will surpass all expectations. And I am determined that GMC will succeed, and its benefits accrue to all Bhutanese.”
His Majesty’s message has resonated deeply across the country and among Bhutanese abroad, drawing widespread appreciation for its clarity, compassion, and long-term vision.
Tashi Norbu, a student in the United Kingdom, said, “His Majesty has always been concerned about the well-being of the people, always coming up with new ideas and solutions, so that the people get an equal share of benefits from the project.”
“We feel blessed to be born in Bhutan where our beloved monarchs always look after the well-being of the people. Long live our King and royal family,” said Purna Gurung, a Thimphu resident.
Reflecting on the momentum of the initiative, Trashi Gyamtshog added, “GMC is like a mighty giant wheel—once set in motion, it gains its own unstoppable momentum, driven by the Bhutanese dream and spirit.”
Nima Lhamo, a student at the College of Science and Technology (CST), shared a similar sentiment, saying, “We are blessed beyond words to be born under such a thoughtful and farsighted King.”
As GMC advances from vision to reality, His Majesty’s emphasis on land equity stands as a powerful reminder that Bhutan’s development model is rooted not in speculation or exclusion, but in trust, shared prosperity, and national unity—values that continue to define the Kingdom’s unique path forward.
Nidup Lhamo
From Thimphu
