Chubachu stream cleaning – Accelerating change

Chubachu stream cleaning – Accelerating change

Water is a necessity to live, yet nearly 1 million people die each year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases and 771 million people in the world (1 in 10) lack access to it as per the World Water Organization.

Because water affects us all and we need collective efforts to take action at our own different levels to accelerate change in the way we respond to water and its related issues. This World Water Day, RSPN organized a cleaning campaign for our Chubachu stream which flows into the heart of the capital. With the collective efforts of 132 volunteers (stakeholders, offices, and institutions residing along the Chubachu stream), a total of 2667 kg of waste was collected, covering 2000 meters of stretch.

Through such campaigns, we expect to create awareness of the impact of polluting the water bodies by solid waste dumping, gray and black water into the river ecosystem, especially our streams and rivers nearby. Moreover, it encourages people’s participation to impart civic responsibilities in the conservation of water bodies because access to safe water can turn problems into potentials like enhancing education, economic prosperity, and improved health.

The event observed with the international theme: ‘Accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis’ which was symbolized by the beautiful hummingbird, where in ancient stories, the hummingbird carries drops of water to put out a great fire. She was doing everything she could.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our campaign’s donors- WWF Bhutan, Bhutan for Life, and Bhutan Trust Fund for Environment Conservation for their continued support and to all our participants for their positive actions towards building a civic responsible society.

The list of stakeholders and participants was:

Stakeholders:

Bhutan Red Cross Society

WWF Bhutan

UN Bhutan

Ministry of Education and Skills Development

Tarayana Foundation

Royal Textile Academy

Bhutan for Life

Royal University of Bhutan,

Bhutan Power Cooperation

Bhutan Telecom Ltd.

Bhutan Broadcasting Services

Royal Audit Authority

National Land Commission Secretariat

Anti-Corruption Commission

Faculty of Traditional Medicine

Bhutan Toilet Organization

Bhutan Media Foundation

Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts

Thimphu Thromde

“We have succeeded phenomenally in the conservation of our natural environment, and our efforts and achievements have garnered international appreciation and recognition. If we are as successful in maintaining the places where we live, it will be a truly commendable achievement. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that where we live remain clean, safe, well organized, and beautiful, for all times to come.”

~ His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during the 109th National Day celebration.

The 26th Chubachu Stream cleaning was conducted today, February 20, 2020, in dedicating to His Majesty’s 40th Birth Anniversary.

The RSPN Board of Directors and staff would like to join the nation in offering our profound prayers for His Majesty’s good health, happiness, and long life. We pledge to continue working towards the conservation of our environment drawing inspiration and guided by His Majesty’s noble conservation legacy.

The cleaning program was initiated in collaboration with the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts, GST Project Office (DRC, MoF), Thimphu Rotary Club and Centre for Environment and Development. A total of 532 kilograms of waste was collected from the stream.