Next time you are in Haa, be aware of the strict rules approved by the Dzongkhag Tshogdu recently. With its newly launched brand, “Haa: Lay Me Lay – Unraveling a Mystery,” its remoteness will no longer be used to bypass rules and ignore standards.
Haa is a small and remote town in western Bhutan with a population of nearly 14,000. It is now setting an example by strictly enforcing rules on smoking, waste management and alcohol.
It is to keep the town clean and orderly as part of its push to strengthen tourism.
The town will have surveillance systems, structured inspections and tougher penalties for violations. Beginning next month, active monitoring and enforcement will begin.
“There are not many issues with tobacco and alcohol in Haa. But we recognise that these are pressing concerns both nationally and globally. That’s why the district has introduced rules and regulations to address them proactively, before they become bigger problems,” said Tshering Penjor, a member of the Smoking and Alcohol Control Measure Task Force Committee, Haa.
Smoking will be allowed only in designated areas. Violators will face a 500 ngultrum fine and must provide proof of payment of import duties and taxes. Selling or giving alcohol to kids is a big no.
Wastes will be segregated at source. Surveillance cameras will monitor illegal dumping, with fines up to 60,000 ngultrum for serious violations. The district will also promote recycling waste.
Tshering Penjor said, “Compared to other districts, Haa is smaller and has fewer people. We see this as an advantage; implementing and enforcing the new policies might be much easier and smoother here compared to bigger districts.”
Deputy Chairperson of the Waste Management Task Force Committee, Ugyen Tshering said, “Waste management is a challenge in Haa. Illegal dumping of sawdust and wood waste from sawmills is common, and we’ve also noticed mismanagement of waste in towns, forests, and rivers.”
Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson Tenzin Jamba said, “One of the district’s first steps in bringing the ‘Haa Lay Mi Lay’ brand to life is tackling this waste issue. We now have comprehensive plans in place for every village to manage waste effectively.”
Residents we spoke to support the initiative.
“We are not saying everyone smokes or drinks, but tobacco and alcohol can affect our children and the environment. In a dry place like Haa, even something as small as a carelessly thrown cigarette butt can be very dangerous,” said Kencho Wangmo, a resident.
“These new waste management plans will help make our district cleaner and more attractive for tourists. We appreciate the district for taking the initiative,” added another resident, Pem.
“Better waste management will not only benefit the locals but also the visitors. If all 20 districts adopt similar practices, it would greatly improve cleanliness across the country,” said Kinley Wangchuk, also a resident.
“The plan does not stop people from drinking or smoking. It simply encourages the proper sale of alcohol and designated smoking areas. This will make the environment safer for children and for everyone in the community, and we support the decision,” said Chemba Dorji, another resident.
The report card will be assessed in December to see the impact of its new brand and its plan.
Karma Samten Wangda, Haa
