Gangtey and Phobjikha valleys in Wangduephodrang are pioneering solid waste management in rural areas.
In Phobjikha, the project was initiated by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature with the support of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to tackle the growing solid waste management problem in the valley.
Phobjikha, the most important habitat for the endangered black necked cranes in the country, attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. The problem of solid waste management has grown visibly over the years.
Perched on a knoll overlooking the Phobjikha valley, the Gangtey Goenba is an important historical and cultural site.
The project will be overseen by a committee comprising of representatives from Gangtey and Phobjikha valleys. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature has provided Nu.100, 000 as seed money which will be used for educating the public, providing bins, and pay for other activities.
Residents can now dump their waste in communal bins placed at strategic sites in all the villages across the valley.
The waste is collected periodically and transported to the landfill located far from the settlements.
The initiative has already seen some success in keeping the surrounding clean and green but the committee members expressed concerns about the sustainability.
