Monthly Archives: December, 0

The Least Developed Countries want the world leaders at the COP26 to present the progress that will see emissions halved by 2030. Bearing significant impact of climate change despite contributing the least to it, the group also want the world leaders to increase climate finance to support climate actions in developing countries. The LDC group consisting of 26 countries met in Glasgow ahead of United Nations Climate Conference to prepare for climate talks.

If you have been saving your money lately, then you are among hundreds and thousands of others who are managing the income in better ways. In the recent past, people in the country have been saving - a little more compared to years before. Most banks in the country have reported more than a 20 percent increase in deposits over the past more than one year – an unusual surge in years. 

In what is an encouraging sign for high-altitude rice cultivation, a family at Gaytsa in Bumthang has yet again reaped another round of good harvest this year. The family first cultivated the high-altitude rice variety last year. However, experts say this could be a sign of climate change taking its grip on the Bhutanese ecology.

If you have travelled to Zhemgang, you might have experienced the hurdle of driving along the dzongkhag’s internal road. It is narrow and some stretches are in bad condition. Despite the increase in population and number of vehicles, internal road connectivity has remained the same for decades. And now, commuters are asking for improvement. 

People of Tsakaling in Patshaling gewog in Tsirang are now looking forward to making the best use of their land. This is because land development work is in full swing to make every land favourable for cultivation. Earlier, some farmers in the community complained about their lands unfit for cultivation.

According to a study conducted by the National Environment Commission (NEC), Bhutan could lose its carbon neutral status by 2035, if the current trend continues. However, if the country’s commitments at the Climate Series are anything to go by, this could be reversed. The Central Bank, Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Ecological Society, Tourism Council, and Thimphu Thromde are up for green initiatives. The focus is on green financing, green transportation, and erecting energy-efficient buildings.

The Wangdue Phodrang District Court sentenced five people including two women to more than one year to nine years in prison for drug trafficking and battery on Monday. And they cannot pay in lieu of prison terms. Police say they are repeat offenders.

People in Jomotshangkha in Samdrup Jongkhar are facing a water crisis and it is getting worse. Their water taps remain dry for weeks forcing them to store water in whatever containers they can lay their hands on. They say maintaining hygiene is not a priority anymore as they are more concerned about getting water for drinking and cooking.

And just when they thought they will have a bountiful harvest, they lose it to wild animals yet again. Every year, farmers across the country find themselves trapped in this vicious cycle of hardship. Farmers in Phuensumgang of Gosarling Gewog in Tsirang have had electric fencing since 2016, but they continue to lose the fight against wild animal attacks.

Not long from now, the mountains of highlands will be snow-capped. And the call would be clear and loud for the cattle and yak herders on mountains to migrate to the lowlands - for greener pasture. In Bumthang, some 16 families have already begun their great migration to Gelephu. However, the slowly disappearing culture of migration among highlanders has become worrying.