Deliberating on the Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, the Environment and Climate Change Committee of the National Assembly made four recommendations related to water issues today.
In total, the committee presented eight recommendations.
The Chairperson of the committee, Gyem Dorji, presented the committee’s recommendation to do research so as to determine the cause of drying up spring and streams. He also recommended the allocation of enough budget for the Watershed Management Department to protect and restore streams and springs watersheds. Recommendations to minimize the use of bottled water and to draw a protocol on the establishment of proper data centre and information sharing on water-related issues were also presented.
Most members also raised their concerns and views related to water.
“We have ponds, holy streams and streams- and now their sources are drying up. This is the biggest concern and that’s why we have recommendations more on water-related issues. The employees for Watershed Department have determinations to work harder and so if we could support them,” proposed Pema Gyamtsho (PhD), the Opposition Leader.
“There are many settlements along the rivers who depend on river water, so rivers should be given importance along with the concerns for drying up water sources. We should not just concentrate on drinking water but try to focus on the river too. Therefore it is important to maintain the PH level and take measure accordingly,” added Tshewang Lhamo, the Bongo Chapchha Member of Parliament.
Other recommendations for strict regulation of waste management, allocation of budget to prevent the entry and spread of plant and animal diseases and to provide quality seeds and seedlings were made by the committee. The need to rectify the lapses in issuing environmental clearance and environment impact assessment along with the recommendation to include the parliamentarians in discussions on climate change and environment were also proposed.
After deliberations, 38 members voted in favour of the recommendations while 3 refrained and 2 voted no.
Sangay Chezom/Kinley Dem
