Thimphu Thromde plans to impose fines and penalties to the heads of organisations and agencies, and property owners if their premises are found littered. The municipality says it is a new waste prevention mechanism they are working on.
The thromde says such implementation would help reduce sanitary inspectors’ work burden as the municipality has shortage of inspectors.
They would otherwise require three to four times more the number of sanitary inspectors to monitor the capital. The thromde has 12 sanitary inspectors as of now.
Thimphu Thromde’s Deputy Executive Engineer, Yeshi Wangdi said they are imposing the penalties on the head of the organizations and agencies because their subordinates would listen to them. “Those working under them would have fear and obligations towards their bosses.”
Such mechanism is expected to save resources and improve service delivery of the thromde. If implemented, only a few of the selected sanitary inspectors will be deployed to monitor wastes.
As part of the move, people can also report to the thromde, with evidence, of those people who litters and dumps waste illegally. The thromde said identity of informants would not be disclosed. They would instead be rewarded.
The thromde has sought endorsement from National Environment Commission to implement the proposal. National Environment Commission is the regulatory body of the environment.
The National Environment Commission said they will know by Friday evening if the proposal is endorsed.
While some welcomed the move, some are skeptical.
“I think it is not going to work as most of the house owners live away from their property,” said a Property Owner, Khandu. He said it is also the responsibility of those residing within the property to keep the area clean.
