As Bhutan marked World Water Day today, officials drew attention to pollution of water bodies, which is becoming a growing concern.
In Thimphu, waste water flowing into Wangchhu is an emerging challenge facing the Thromde.
More than 300 volunteers, who came together to observe the water day, cleaned the drains clogged with wastes of all kinds.
Plastic constituted much of the wastes dumped in the drains in the capital city.
“I hope people will understand that drains are for water, not for wastes,” said Nedup Tshering, the Executive Director of Clean Bhutan.
The World Water Day, marked on March 22 every year, is devoted to raising awareness on the importance of water and the need to preserve it. This year, the day was marked globally on the theme- Nature for Water.
“We are facing drinking water shortage and our environment is at risk,” warned Thimphu Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee.
“We need to take care of our water resources and the responsibility falls on us. We have to make sure our future generations have the privilege that we are enjoying.”
Phuntsho Wangdi, an Environment Officer with the National Environment Commission (NEC) said if everyone takes care of the wastes they generate, the problem of waste and pollution of water bodies wouldn’t arise.
Thimphu Thromde is planning to place wire mesh in the drains to prevent wastes from flowing into the river.
Over in Bumthang, students and teachers of Jakar Higher Secondary School in Bumthang cleaned the stream near their school.
The school adopted the stream in 2013. The stream is also Bumthang Throm’s water source.
