Tag: Sustainable Development

Bhutan draft water bill discussed

 

Bhutan is blessed with one of the most important natural resources, water.  Water is the backbone of the Kingdom’s economy with hydropower playing an ever increasing importance in revenue generation. However due to rapid socio-economic development, the pressure on water resource is increasing every year. To address this concern, the National Environment Commission has drafted a water bill. 

It will ensure sustainable use of water and also address water related issues in the future.

So far there is no specific act or an authority to look after the kingdom’s water resource. The government has been protecting the environment and human health through integrated water resource management to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for the people.  Continue reading Bhutan draft water bill discussed

Equine fatalities from epotorium plant

Nabji-Korphu horses falling by the eco-tourism trail

Nabji: Horses are the only means of transport

When the government started the Nabji-Korphu eco-tourism trail a few years ago, locals residing along the trail found in horses a source of quick cash inflow. The trail became popular with tourists and farmers grabbed the new opportunity with both hands. However, with many horses falling victim to what villagers suspect to be a strange disease in the last two years, locals are worried sick.

“My two mules died last year, causing me a loss of Nu 30,000,” said Pema Gyeltshen from Korphu. Pema Geltshen, a father of five school-going children, ferries loads from Reutala, the nearest road head to his village. “With the opening of Nabji-Korphu eco-tourism trail, horses become an important source of income to us,” he said, adding that, given the remoteness of the place, horses were the only means of transport.

In Korphu, almost all the 186 households own about two to three horses each. With numerous reports of horses dying, villagers are anxious. “Last year alone, Korphu lost about 30 horses,” said a 66-year-old resident, Yuden. Villagers say that about 20 horses died in 2008 in Nabji and at least six died in Nimzhong village. They say that horses do not survive even a day if they have the disease. A tshogpa from Nabji village, Dorji, lost his three horses, one by one, to the fell disease. “I lost about Nu 36,000,” he said. Continue reading Equine fatalities from epotorium plant

Water scarcity threatens three villages in Trongsa

With their only drinking water source drying up quicker than they imagined, farmers in three villages in Langthel gewog, Trongsa are being threatened of drinking water shortage.

Villagers from Bezam, Ngormey and Sheling in lower Trongsa said that they had to skip meals sometimes because there was not enough water for all the households. Although the government had, under the rural water supply scheme, provided drinking water to the three villages, the source was not reliable, according to villagers.

“The water is not enough, the source is not reliable,” said Jigme, a 70 year-old farmer from Ngormey pointing to a dry tap in front of his house. “The tap remains like this (dry) for weeks. There is not enough water to even cook meals.” Continue reading Water scarcity threatens three villages in Trongsa

Second largest protected area inaugurated

15 December, 2008 – It was a tribute to the Wangchuck dynasty for a century of visionary leadership in conservation of Bhutan’s rich natural heritage. And for once, it was the only protected area comprising of all four national symbols-flower, animal, tree and bird.

Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley inaugurated the second largest protected area in the country, Wangchuck Centenary Park (WCP) in Nasiphel village of Choekhar gewog, Bumthang on December 12.

Covering about 3,736 km sq of north-central region of the country, WCP connected Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park in the west and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in the east.

Adding to its special features was also the park area being a source of Punatsangchu, Mangdechu, Kurichu, and Chamkharchu, the rivers, which would power hydropower projects. Continue reading Second largest protected area inaugurated

The U.S. congressional visit

What should Bhutan not learn from the United States?

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley with Senator McCain at a banquet on Wednesday

6 December, 2008 – Three U.S. senators, including the Republican presidential candidate, Senator John McCain, were all praise for Bhutan and the Bhutanese leadership but cautioned against environmental degradation, political promises, and rapid commercialism.

“We didn’t look after our environment as well as we should have and now suffer problems like the polluted Colorado river,” said Senator McCain of Arizona, pointing out that the Thimphu river looked pure in comparison. Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut added that the melting of glaciers in Bhutan could have severe consequences.

Senator Graham of South Carolina pointed out that, in a democracy, politicians make promises that they can’t afford. “Back in the United States and other democracies, there have been a lot of programmes created that future generations have to pay for it,” he said. “So I would caution the people of Bhutan to make sure that you understand that you have a responsibility to make that your government doesn’t go beyond their means and make your children pay for it. That’s something we’re learning in America.” Continue reading The U.S. congressional visit