With an increasing number of pilgrims visiting the Tumdra Ami Ney in Chhukha, waste management is a concern. During the recent Maha Shivaratri, thousands of people came to worship and honour Lord Shiva, leaving the area flooded with waste. A huge number of pilgrims from India annually visit the sacred site, during this time of the year, to celebrate the Maha Shivaratri festival.
With thousands of devotees visiting the site, last week, the Tumdra Ami Ney area is filled with waste.
From the river banks to the trail leading to the Ney and the surrounding areas, litter is seen everywhere.
“This is a very sacred site. It has not been long since the site gained popularity amongst devotees. Now, one of the main challenges here is waste management. People visiting the site litter waste and also defecate in the open. This will affect the sacredness of the site,” said Karma Jurmi, Phuentshogling Dungpa.
The Phuentshogling Dungpa said a cleaning campaign will have to be conducted soon.
For the coming years, the officials are planning to build infrastructure required to manage waste.
“We are planning to keep dustbins at various locations. It is also important to create awareness about waste management among people coming here,” said the Phuentshogling Dungpa.
The sacred site, which is located near the Bhutan-India border is under Darla Gewog in Chhukha.
It is about two hours’ drive from Phuentshogling.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Tshering Zam
