Known for its therapeutic waters, Gelephu Tsachhu is struggling with delayed waste collection, raising environmental concerns at the site. Adding to the problem, visitor numbers have also dropped during what is normally one of the busiest times of the year.
Despite being a well-known healing site in southern Bhutan, Gelephu Tsachhu is currently facing waste management challenges. Garbage has accumulated after the Gelephu Thromde’s waste collection vehicle did not arrive for almost three months.
Tshering Wangchuk, caretaker of Gelephu Hot Spring said, “Normally, the Thromde waste collection vehicle comes once or twice a month. I reminded the officials two to three times, and they agreed to send the vehicle. But it has been three months now. I have collected the waste in sacks and dustbins. It is not possible to burn the waste, so we have no option but to keep it as it is.”
Responding to the issue, a thromde official said two waste collection vehicles had broken down and are under repair, preventing regular collection. The official said a vehicle would be sent to collect the waste from Gelephu Tsachhu in the coming week.
The waste problem at Gelephu Tsachhu comes at a time when visitor numbers have also dropped, affecting locals running shops within the tshachhu premises. While the hot spring would normally see around 600 visitors by this time of year, it has welcomed barely half that number so far. The lower turnout has led management to relax traditional soaking rules, allowing men and women to bathe at the same time.
Caretaker said “Last year and the year before, there were many people rushing to soak in the hot spring. This year, the number of visitors is less, so we allowed soaking at the same time.”
According to the hot spring management team, the drop in visitors is thought to be linked to the ongoing construction of the box-cut bypass along the Gelephu–Trongsa Highway. They said many people may have assumed the hot spring was inaccessible, but the road is open and vehicles can reach Gelephu Tsachhu without any disruption.
However, officials expect visitor numbers to rise in the coming days with the upcoming religious event in Gelephu. About 15 kilometres from Gelephu town, Gelephu Tsachhu is famous for its mineral-rich waters, believed to help with joint pain, skin problems, and body aches.
As authorities prepare for the expected influx, timely waste management and clear communication on road access will be essential to keep the hot spring clean, safe, and welcoming for all visitors.
Karma Wangdi/Passang Dorji, Gelephu
