Q. How many of the following statements about Gelephu Mindfulness City project is/are correct?
1.Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a planned carbon-neutral city in Nepal, spanning 1,000 square kilometers.
2.Gelephu’s location on a broad plain in a mountainous area leads to high rainfall and flooding during monsoons.
3.It aims to diversify its economy beyond hydropower and tourism, addressing challenges like youth outmigration.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation: What is the Gelephu Mindfulness City project?
- Nature of the Project: Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a planned carbon-neutral city in Bhutan, spanning 1,000 square kilometers.
- Focus Areas: It will concentrate on eco-friendly industries such as IT, education, hotels, and hospitals.
- Economic Necessity: Bhutan aims to diversify its economy beyond hydropower and tourism, addressing challenges like youth outmigration.
What are the challenges faced by the Gelephu Mindfulness City project?
- Geographical Challenges: Gelephu’s location on a broad plain in a mountainous area leads to high rainfall and flooding during monsoons.
- Environmental Concerns: The city is situated near wildlife corridors, which requires careful planning to prevent disturbing natural habitats.
- Regional Security: Past insurgencies in nearby Assam and Myanmar, and a history of militant activities in the area, highlight security challenges.
- Infrastructure Dependencies: As a landlocked area, Gelephu is dependent on neighboring countries, mainly India, for essential infrastructure like trade and transport.
- Economic Constraints: The project requires significant investment for infrastructure development, including upgrading the local airport to international standards.
- Political Dynamics: The initiative is influenced by Bhutan’s economic needs and geopolitical factors, including relationships with India and China.
Source: ForumIAS
