Burning wastes is a poor waste management option as it pollutes the air and contaminates the water and soil. But residents of Jomotshangkha in Samdrup Jongkhar have no other choice. The place does not have a proper disposal site where people can dispose of their wastes properly.
If you visit Jomtshangkha Drungkhag, one of the first things you will see as you reach the town is this signboard. It displays a host of slogans about proper waste management and how one should take responsibility.
But for the residents, it’s the other way round.
People throw the wastes in pits or open spaces and then burn it.
They say they do this because there is no proper disposal site in the area.
“I throw the waste beside my toilet. I am new here in the town. People here have been disposing their wastes like this, so I also did the same,” said Norbu Dema, a resident.
“We don’t have a choice but to burn the wastes behind our homes. There isn’t a proper disposal place,” said Dorji Phuntsho, another resident.
According to drungkhag administration office, a site to construct a landfill was identified which is about three kilometres away from the town. A structural design was also made ready but it could not be constructed due to budget constraints.
However, the drungkhag is planning to propose the project again for the next Five-Year Plan.
Construction of the landfill is expected to cost about Nu 6.5 M.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
