Without a proper landfill site, the Jomotshangkha Dungkhag town in Samdrup Jongkhar is facing a major waste management issue. As a result, residents are seen dumping their waste in pits near the town, which is causing environmental and health hazards. The residents are urging the relevant authorities to provide a proper landfill site and waste management facilities to ensure a clean and healthy environment.
Cheki Wangmo, a hotel owner in the town is segregating her waste. She makes use of the reusable ones while non-reusable wastes are disposed of in nearby pits.
However, she says that the waste has been accumulating in these pits, leading to environmental hazards.
Some residents are even burning the waste, which is polluting the air and posing health risks.
“It would be great if we get a landfill located away from town. The town will look clean without waste if there is a proper landfill. Right now, we are not able to manage waste properly,” said Cheki Wangmo, a resident.
“Sometimes we have to burn the waste even if it affects the environment and health. It is important to have a landfill here,” said Ganga Ram Damala, another resident.
“When it comes to waste management problems we have a waste spillover problem. We do not have a permanent dumping site, which is also causing a threat to the environment,” said Shankhar Lal Chhetri, who is a resident.
According to the Jomotshangkha Dungkhag Administration, they have identified a site to construct a landfill. They are currently seeking fund to initiate the construction work.
Moreover, the Dungkhag administration is exploring the possibility of establishing a scrap dealer’s unit in Jomotshangkha town.
Meanwhile, the district environment officer has included a provision of a garbage truck for the town in the 13th Five-Year-Plan.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
