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5.-Chimi-Lhakhang-And-Surrounding

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5.-Chimi-Lhakhang-And-Surrounding CONTENT Chapter 1: Introduction ……………………………………………………………………..2 1.1. Study of Human Settlement …………………………………………………………..3 1.2. Objectives of the study ………………………………………………………………..4 1.3. Methodology of study ………………………………………………………………...5 1.4. Scopes and Limitations of the Study ……………………………………………….....6 Chapter 2: Study of the village ……………………………………………………………...7 2.1. Brief History …………………………………………………………………………..8 2.2. Location and connectivity …………………………………………………………...10 2.3. Topography ………………………………………………………………………….12 2.4. Climatic conditions …………………………………………………………………..13 2.5. Settlement Form and Pattern ………………………………………………………...14 2.6. Architecture ………………………………………………………………………….24 2.7. Existing Infrastructures ……………………………………………………………...54 Chapter 3: Development Trends ………………………………………………………….67 3.1. Physical Development ……………………………………………………………….68 3.2. Building Typologies………………………………………………………………….75 3.3. Building Use …………………………………………………………………………77 3.4. Road and parking …………………………………………………………………….78 Chapter 4: Planning and Policy Interventions …………………………………………...79 4.1. Land use plan and settlement pattern ……………………………………………......81 4.2. Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Architecture ………….……..………….82 4.3. Indicative Drainage lay out plan ………………………………………………….....83 4.4. Indicative Footpath Layout ……………………………………………………….....84 4.5. Solid Waste Management ………………………………………………...………….87 4.6. Sanitation …………………………………………………………………………….88 4.7. Fire Safety ………………………………………………………………………….. 90 4.8. Parking ……………………………………………………………………………...91 Chapter 5: Development Guidelines ………………...…………………………………….93 5.1. Existing Development Rules and regulation ………………………………………...94 5.2. Proposed Development guidelines …………………………………………………..96 Annexures …………………………………………………………………………………...98 1 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha Chapter 1: Introduction 2 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha 1.1. Study of Human Settlement The rural villages in different parts of Bhutan have their own unique characteristics in terms of culture and tradition, settlement form, pattern and architecture. They form an integral part of the cultural landscape of the country. However, in recent times with the impacts of modernization spreading into the villages, the development of infrastructures are being carried out without due consideration to these characteristics. This has raised concerns over deteriorating the country’s cultural landscape. In view of this, the Department of Human Settlement carries out the studies of settlements with the primary objective to preserve and promote the unique characteristics of the villages, and also to derive spatial characteristics which will be guiding principles for planning and development of our new settlements. Through these studies, there will also be recommendations on planning and development to resolve issues arising from the development of infrastructures. So far, the Department has carried out studies of four settlements from different parts of the country. For the financial year 2016-2017, the settlement of Lobesa has been taken up for the study. Like other settlements in the country Lobesa is unique in its character, form and pattern. The settlements on the way to Chimi lhakhang from Thimphu-Punakha Highway viz. Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha in particular have a unique setting. The vast stretches of paddy field surrounding the clusters of houses are dotted with Chortens and Nyes. By virtue of the unique setting and strategic location at a junction of highways leading to four parts of the country, the village has been experiencing development pressure since early 2000. The development of infrastructures, construction of new houses, etc. to meet the requirements is deteriorating the overall setting of the valley. The study was carried out with focus on drawing guidelines to preserve and promote its unique cultural heritage. It also looked into the settlement pattern, its form, existing infrastructure and immediate spatial needs. Image 1: View of the three hamlets 3 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha 1.2. Objectives of the study To study the village settlement form and pattern in relation to its culture and tradition: The study is aimed at documenting the unique settlement form and pattern in relation to its tradition and culture of the village for policy recommendations pertaining to human settlement and development of Chimi lhakhang and surrounding settlements. To understand the development trend in the village: The study will document the development trend through study of building typologies, village clusters, landscape and the changes taking place in them with time. To understand the development trend of the surrounding urban areas and their impacts on the village: For comprehensive understanding of the overall settlement scenario, surrounding urban areas like Lobesa and their impacts on the existing village will also be documented. To note the potentials and shortcomings of the village which could help promote the village, its form and pattern, and make it economically vibrant: Chimi lhakhang being one of the famous tourist destinations in the country, there are houses catering to tourism. As the village is both culturally and economically vibrant it has potential for development. Image 2: View of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding village (Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha) 4 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha 1.3. Methodology of the study The main objective of the study is to understand the settlement form and pattern and the development trend, to note the potential and shortcomings of the village and to guide its physical development within the context of the landscape, culture and tradition of the village. The following process has been followed for carrying out the study with focus on the spatial aspects and probable future development. Meeting with the relevant agencies such as: Tourism Council of Bhutan Identification of the Department of Culture settlement Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators Guide Association of Bhutan Desk Study Decide on the study format Organize and survey and questionnaire Site Visit Discussion with the representatives of the village Site Study Household survey/questionnaire Measured Drawings (different building typologies) Document historical account and existing infrastructures Preparation of the Analysis of the information report (draft) Note the development trend Propose development interventions/guidelines Draft report presentation to the officials from the Presentation of the Dzongkhag, Gewog and representatives of the village. draft report Compile feedback received during the presentation Compile missing or additional information Incorporate the feedbacks received and the missing/additional information. Finalize the report Finalize the report Distribute the report to the relevant agencies. Illustration 1: Work Schedule 5 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha 1.4. Scope and Limitation of the study The name “Lobesa” is referred to a combination of clusters of settlements in the vicinity of Chimi Lhakhang. However this study has focused on Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha village given the development pressure in the area due to its strategic location on the way to Chimi Lhakhang. The study is purely based on the information gathered at site and from the people of the locality. The planning and development intervention provided in this report are indicative and may require detailed study at site prior to its implementation. Illustration 2: Location of Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha in Lobesa 6 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha Chapter 2 7 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha 2.1. Brief history It is believed that the name “Lobesa” which means “a place to return” is closely linked to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He is said to have visited the Pangkhap Chorten which was then under-construction and offered Zhebang (round cane container) as a nangten (sacred relic) of the Chorten. Upon the request of the people of the locality the Lama agreed to return from Bay-Ralung in Tibet for the consecration, although his return is not known by the local people. However, over the period of time the name Lobesa is used to refer to the several neighboring clusters like Mesina, Pangna, Sopsokha, Yuwokha, etc. Image 3: Location of Pangkhap Chorten in the village Pangkhap Chorten Image 6:Zhebang: Offered by Lam Drukpa Kuenley as the Nangten (sacred relic) Image 4: Lam Drukpa Kuenley Image 5: Pangkhap Chorten 8 Study of Chimi Lhakhang and surrounding settlements: Sopsokha, Yuwokha and Zhikha Chimi Lhakhang: Around the time when Drukpa Kuenley first visited Bhutan, a demoness called Loro Duem resided on Dochu La. She along with two other demonesses terrorized all who crossed the pass and the people in the valley lived in fear. When Drukpa Kuenley heard of this, he hunted down the demoness at Dochu La. The three demonesses recognizing Drukpa Kuenley’s power ran down the valley and the two other demonesses dissolved into the body of Loro Duem. When she reached the plains of Lobesa, she transformed herself into a dog to avoid detection. But Lam Drukpa Kuenley recognized the demoness dog, and subdued it with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” and buried it under the mound of a hill which he said resembled
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