Environment friendly road construction technique was introduced in the Kingdom in 1999. Yet, after over a decade, implementers find it difficult to put into practice for several reasons. This was revealed at a sensitisation workshop on environment friendly construction techniques in Thimphu.
Inexperienced engineers, steep slopes, spillage are some of the difficulties faced. The Director General of Roads pointed out that the damage to environment has been substantially minimised today, compared to traditional construction methods in the past.
Sangay Tenzing however said, environment friendly techniques do not completely solve the problems in a situation like Bhutan. Spillage, he said is the main cause of damage, which account for as high as 60 percent depending on the site condition.
The workshop also pointed out the need for a common understanding between policy makers and implementing agencies. Environment friendly construction technique is not a total solution for eliminating the damage to environment, said the Director General of Roads. The workshop also saw presentation on climate change and its relation to poverty.
