Open drains and uncovered manholes in Thimphu are not only an eyesore for locals and tourists but also a serious safety and health concern. Several people have already fallen into them. Residents are urging the authorities to act swiftly before minor incidents escalate into tragedies.
This is the main lane along the Norzin Lam in the capital. Hundreds of locals and tourists use this footpath every day. Yet, every few metres, a section of the drain lies uncovered, spoiling the city’s appearance.
A foul odour rises from them, and swarms of mosquitoes breed in the stagnant water.
People BBS talked to said their friends and family have fallen into these drains. Even tourists have not been spared, with some stumbling into them while walking through the town.
“I use this route almost every day on my way to the office, and the sanitation here is really poor. The open drains are risky, and anyone could fall in, especially elderly people. It would be much safer and more convenient if the drains were covered. Many tourists also walk along this stretch, and just last year, I even saw a few people fall into one of the drains,” said Chabilal Rai, a resident.
“The drains here are very dirty, and stagnant water is still left behind, which can attract mosquitoes. There is also a lot of dirt around, so it really needs proper cleaning and maintenance. It is especially risky for children who walk through this area,” added another resident, Tshering Choden.
Open drains persist in many parts of Thimphu Thromde.
Some are so wide and deep that a person who falls in may not be able to climb out, turning the incident fatal. Many measure a metre or more in width and depth.
Residents say some of these drains have remained uncovered for months, waiting for the authorities to act. With the rains, the danger only increases.
Uncovered manholes add to the risk. Some lost their lids months ago and have yet to be fixed. Drivers say the situation is becoming increasingly frustrating.
Thimphu Thromde, meanwhile, says it has been covering drains in high-risk areas such as schools, hospitals, markets, and residential areas.
They added that phased projects are underway to install more durable and theft-resistant covers across the city, with priority given to core urban areas and pedestrian walkways this fiscal year.
As per the Civil Liability Act of Bhutan 2023, if authorities neglect their duty to keep public areas safe, they can be held legally liable.
The Act states that the public authority must maintain places like footpaths and drains in a reasonably safe condition. If they fail to do so and someone is injured, they can be held accountable for negligence.
Until the drains and manholes are fully secured, the dangers continue to pose a daily threat.
But under the Civil Liability Act, if someone is hurt, the authorities cannot escape responsibility.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
