No more dumping in open pits or burning waste. Change is finally coming to Jomotshangkha Dungkhag town in Samdrup Jongkhar. After years of unmanaged waste and growing environmental risks, the town’s first landfill is now under construction and is expected to be completed within this year.
The Jomotshangkha Dungkhag administration, in collaboration with the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, with support from the Bhutan for Life Project, is constructing the landfill at Jangsa, a few kilometres from the town.
Currently, residents dump their waste in two open pits near the town, with some resorting to burning it.
“I usually keep my waste in a sack and dump it in the pit. But since it is close to the town, dogs often scatter it everywhere. If we get a proper landfill and waste collection service, it would help us,” said Kezang Wangmo, a resident of Jomotshangkha.
“We have had waste problems here for a long time. We clean it weekly. But dogs keep scattering waste from the pit. Without a proper landfill, it is hard to manage. I heard one is built at Jangsa,” said Pema Lhamo, another resident.
“Right now, we use nearby pits to dump waste, but it is not a good practice. We have a waste problem here, and dumping it close to the town is not safe. If it is disposed of farther away, it would be much better for the public,” said Om Prakash Nepal, also a resident.
According to Jomotshangkha dungkhag administration officials, once the landfill is complete, the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary will develop a waste management plan in consultation with the Samdrup Jongkhar and Jomotshangkha dungkhag administrations.
They added that the Druk Green Power Corporation, which is working on the Jomori Hydro power construction, has committed to supporting waste collection services.
The landfill, worth Nu 5.8 M, is designed to last 20 years, offering a long-term solution.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Pem
