In a significant development for Bhutan’s urban future, members of parliament have petitioned the government to revise current building regulations by raising the height limit from three to five storeys in all district Yenlag Throms.
This proposal, driven by rising housing shortages and slow urban development, raises both promise and concern. It reflects a pressing need for smarter urban planning, especially as our towns continue to sprawl horizontally, threatening forests and natural landscapes that define the nation’s identity.
Our national commitment to maintain at least 60% of our land under forest cover is enshrined in the Constitution, and rightly so. Yet, the existing three-storey cap in urban centers has inadvertently triggered unregulated horizontal expansion, consuming valuable land and pushing infrastructure toward forested and ecologically sensitive areas.
Chhukha’s Bongo-Chapcha MP also emphasized the need for infrastructure development that reflects the district’s growing economic activity and flat terrain. He suggested that if Chhukha could accommodate a larger Dzong, surely there is room for vertical expansion in towns like Gedu.
While this argument is compelling, it is essential to recognize that Bhutan’s topography which is largely mountainous and seismically active, requires a nuanced, cautious approach to vertical construction.
Increasing the building height limit to five storeys can be feasible if done with meticulous planning and adequate safeguards. First, it is imperative that any change be based on comprehensive geotechnical and seismic assessments.
Bhutan lies in a high-risk earthquake zone, and taller structures can amplify both risk and impact. Hence, strict enforcement of modern building codes, seismic-resistant designs, and mandatory engineering audits must be prerequisites.
Second, urban expansion must be guided by scientific topographic analysis. Not all towns or Yenlag Throms may be suited for vertical development. For example, areas prone to landslides or flash floods must be excluded or subjected to stricter regulations.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s move to dispatch urban planners for ground assessments starting June is a step in the right direction.
Additionally, provisions for accessible evacuation routes, fire safety standards, and strong building materials should be codified and enforced. Incentivizing developers to adopt green and resilient building practices can also align vertical growth with environmental goals.
The petition also exposed deeper flaws in Bhutan’s urban governance like inconsistent planning, outdated building norms, and unclear regulatory frameworks. As one MP noted, frequent policy shifts leave citizens and builders in limbo, impeding progress.
The Supreme Court’s ruling that halted Yenlag Throm development further complicates matters, although the government’s effort to seek legal clarity through the Attorney General is encouraging.
Ultimately, the path forward lies not in rejecting vertical expansion but in regulating it wisely. Five-storey buildings may be a solution to housing woes, but only if safety, sustainability, and legal coherence are guaranteed.
The referral of the petition to the Environment and Climate Change Committee is an important juncture. We hope its findings in the winter session will pave the way for a balanced, forward-looking urban policy that embraces growth without compromising our ecological and cultural heritage.
