This is becoming a habit with the PDP government.
During March of 2012, the DPT government had imposed a ban on import of vehicles - for obvious reasons.
Two years later, the PDP government lifted the ban - during July of 2014.
Then came the DNT government. Yet again, the vehicle ban was reintroduced ….. as of August, 2022.
As per Section 8 of Article 15 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), having won the majority of seats (30 seats) in the 4th National Assembly Elections, 2023-2024 is declared as the Ruling Party.
Promptly, earlier this month - on the 18th of August, 2024, the vehicle ban was yet again lifted by the PDP.
In all provability, we will likely see the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) form the next government. And, true to tradition, they will once again impose a ban on import of vehicles.
And, God willing, the PDP will once again be reinstated as the ruling party for the third time - in order that they can, yet again, lift the ban on import of vehicles!
Looking at bulging waist lines of Bhutanese, walking should be mandatory. Taxi drivers need to make a living. Buildings should not be allowed occupancy without all the needed parking spots. Air quality in Thimphu - where most vehicles ply - it’s dangerous in dry season… And so on. So why ???
ReplyDeleteReliable public transport network across the entire country and mass transit public transport within towns is the only antidote. Folks will not resort to hefty bank loans to pay off exorbitant vehicle costs this way. Private vehicles have now become a necessity simply because existing public transport systems are lack-lusture. And yes, pedestrian pavements and cycling paths will need to be enhanced as well. This should be better than levying green tax, which is just another glamorous name for "tax" Only those with deep pockets are now able to afford vehicles in these prevailing economic climate, while the rest beyond Thimphu in remote places harbor dreams to own their first family vehicle.
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