On 30 April 2026, the Natural Resources and Environment Committee convened a stakeholder consultation meeting with officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).

During the meeting, MoIT officials presented the Thromde Development Status Report (2020–2025), highlighting that urban development in Bhutan’s district and satellite towns had been hindered by systemic, financial, and physical challenges. The report noted that growth remained largely unplanned and unsustainable due to outdated or non-existent Local Area Plans (LAPs) and the absence of clear Development Control Regulations (DCR), leading to inconsistencies in building approvals.

The presentation also emphasized the financial constraints faced by Thromdes. Many lacked dedicated budgets and depended on limited Dzongkhag annual grants, which restricted development activities. As a result, essential services such as sewerage systems, stormwater drainage, and waste management remained inadequate.

In addition, physical constraints such as small plot sizes and the requirement to maintain a 15-meter Right-of-Way (RROW) along national highways were reported to limit construction space. The shortage of specialized human resources, including urban planners and municipal engineers, further affected effective planning and service delivery.

The report also outlined key legal and jurisdictional issues affecting Thromde development.