The landfill site in Memelhakha in Thimphu has started producing leachate. Leachate, the liquid produced by waste, is said to be poisonous as it contains toxic chemicals. Leachate can also contaminate the ground water and rivers.
The survey done by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) says 30 tons of wastes are dumped at the Memelhakha every day. To stop the matter from getting worst, JICA Bhutan has agreed upon the new waste management scheme.
“For the next three years, JICA has agreed to do whatever necessary,” said Thimphu Thrompon, Kinlay Dorjee. The necessary steps include building walls at the landfill and building tanks to store leachate where it can be collected and treated.
In fact, the project has already begun. The capacity for the landfill has been extended. Once the waste is dumped at the landfill site it is compactly covered with soil.
The Thimphu Thrompon said they will be changing the road entry to the landfill. “We are also looking for the enhancement capacity of the landfill so the road area will now be included in the landfill site.” He said roads will be realigned so that there will be more space for the constructions of walls and tank.
Improvement at the landfill will be visible in about two to three years, said Kinlay Dorjee.
The Thrompon also said individuals should also contribute towards prolonging the life span of the landfill by at least segregating waste.
The present landfill site has been operational for the past two decades now.
