Drains in Thimphu city are an open trashcan for most residents living in the city. Contrary to the efforts made by the Thromde and few volunteers to keep the city clean, many still continue to dump waste in the drains.
A sack full of trash closed properly to its brim is dumped in the drain. Pabitra and her group from Thimphu Thromde have been cleaning since morning. Pabitra Chhetri says they clean the drains for six days a week but despite their effort, people still continue to dump the waste in the drains. “They are waste collecting trucks but still people dump in the drains. There is lots of trash in the drains and makes it difficult to clean.”
Similarly another sweeper with Thimphu Tormde, Jai Narayan Kafley says when they come in the morning, the drains are dirty. “People wait until night, so that they can dump their trash without people noticing. Now in situations like these, who can we blame?”
Many people say dumping waste in the drain is the easiest way to get rid of their waste. Others say waste collecting trucks do not come on time. A town resident Yeshi Dema said people do not know the impact of waste has on animals and the future generation. “They dump waste mainly due to carelessness.”
Another resident Pema said parents should guide their children in disposing the waste. “But parents do not do that. They drink juice and eat candies and throw the wrappers everywhere.”
According to Thimphu Thomdre Chief Environment Officer, Tshering Penjore public should be responsible in managing their waste. And they should work together with the Thromde to keep the drains clean. “I have experienced that people use to dump even mattresses and quilts in the drain, which blocks the drains and in the end sometimes it creates small flash flood, affecting the downstream”
The chief environment officer said covering drains with concrete slabs is one of the solutions. But due to huge cost involved, covering all the drains within the city is not feasible. He added that one seventh of the population residing in Thimphu should work together to keep the drains clean. He further added that managing waste responsibly at household level will cut down the expense for maintaining drains, roads and hiring labourers.
