Waste management is becoming necessary in Laya as urbanization slowly makes its way into the remote highland community. The problem is not serious at the moment, but it could become a grave concern if the issue is not nipped in the bud.
Littering is no longer an unfamiliar problem. Pits have been dug for waste disposal but papers, plastic wrappers, bottles and other wastes remain a common sight.
With no other measures in place currenlty, Laya Central School remains at the forefront of the waste management drive.
The central school regularly organizes clean-up campaigns to educate the locals on waste management.
“During the cleaning campaign, we teach the locals about waste segregation and recycling besides collecting wastes,” the school’s principal Khedrupla said.
The initiative, he said, has helped the people understand the importance of waste management. Some two years ago, they were reluctant to even lend a helping hand.
“And now they come with their children and the shopkeepers offer refreshments to the children during the clean-up campaign,” the principal shared.
However, the school is confronted with lack of waste disposal site. Its temporary pit is already filled to the brim.
The school now plans to burn the non-reusable wastes and recycle the reusable ones.
Laya Central School has also been conducting art exhibitions every year where they showcase artworks made out of trash.
The gewog administration is aware of the growing waste problem. It has already allocated a budget of Nu 250,000 in the current fiscal year for waste treatment and disposal facility.
“We will divide the budget among the five chiwogs. We will also identify waste segregation sites and educate people on its importance,” Laya Mangmi Tshewang said.
The gewog is also encouraging locals to take up recycling business.
