The Hong Kong Market area in Thimphu is expected to remain waste free as the Guide Association of Bhutan (GAB) plans to adopt the area very soon.
Cleaning the market over the weekend, GAB revealed its plan to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in the area. More than a hundred guides came together to clean the neglected parts of the market area.
GAB says it’s carrying out the initiative mainly because its office is located in the area. “Secondly, we feel this is one the neglected and also one of the dirtiest places in Thimphu,” said Garab Dorji, the Founder and Chairman of GAB.
“We are also doing it to raise awareness so that other associations, NGOs and big hotels will adopt areas and take a lead role,” he added.
GAB plans to allocate different areas to different hotels and restaurants. GAB officials will visit the market every month and encourage them to clean their respective areas.
“What we expect in the near future is that all shops, enterprises, restaurants and pan shops would at least clean and maintain their surroundings,” added the GAB Founder and Chairman.
GAB launched its clean-up drive in 2008. Since then, it has conducted numerous cleaning campaigns across Bumthang, Punakha, Paro, and Thimphu.
The association receives support and fund from Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) for such initiatives.
