Community based Waste Management System kicks off in Phobjikha valley

Dasho Dzongrab and Representative from JICA inaugurate the community waste management in PhobjikhaThe Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) as conservation and development partner to the Phobjikha valley had initiated a Community based Solid waste management project in the valley. The project aims to keep Phobjikha valley clean and free from waste and to make the place environment friendly. The project was funded by JICA office in Bhutan.

On 25^th September 2011, RSPN officially handed over the project to the local communities of Gangtey and Phobji Geogs. Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC), a committee representing both the gewogs will be the local custodian to effectively manage the project. RSPN provided Nu. 100,000 as seed money for the management of the project, however, day to day expenses of the waste management will be borne by the business communities and local residents of Gangtey and Phobji.

This community based solid waste management system is a holistic approach with all the required facilities in place. Local people can now dump their waste in the communal bins that were placed at strategic sites in all the villages across the valley. The wastes will be collected periodically and transported to the landfill. The eco-friendly landfill which is located far from the settlements has the modern facilities such as leachate collection tank and gas pipes. Two local scrap dealers were identified who will be allowed to collect waste that can be recycled. Waste management guideline manual is also in place. Education and Awareness programs were conducted for local people to make them understand about the program.

Memorandum of Understanding signed among RSPN, Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag Administration and PEMC

The inaugural function was graced by Dasho Dzongrab, Wangduephodrang dzongkhag, and participated by a representative from JICA office in Bhutan, schools, sectors heads, RSPN officials and local leaders and people.