𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐞𝐲’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Gangtey Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang, one of Bhutan’s most visited tourist destinations, is grappling with a mounting waste management crisis that threatens its pristine environment and ecological balance. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the iconic Phobjikha Valley, and as a winter sanctuary for the endangered Black-Necked Crane, Gangtey Gewog continues to draw thousands of tourists every year. However, the increasing influx of visitors, coupled with limited waste management infrastructure, has led to a noticeable surge in littering and improper waste disposal.

Non-biodegradable waste, particularly plastic wrappers and bottles, is often seen scattered across open areas, walking trails, and near water sources. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, as the delicate ecosystem of the gewog faces growing pressure from unmanaged waste. This ecosystem is not only home to endangered wildlife but also supports the livelihoods of local communities who depend on agriculture and tourism.

The presence of waste in critical habitats poses direct threats to both wildlife and humans. Birds and animals risk ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic and other hazardous materials, which can lead to injury, illness, or death. For humans, the contamination of soil and water sources due to pollutants from improperly discarded waste raises serious health concerns. Despite repeated concerns raised by residents, gewog officials, visitors, and environmentalists, concrete solutions to the gewog’s waste problem remain elusive. While some local initiatives have tried to promote waste segregation and reduce plastic use, the scale of the issue continues to grow. The absence of a comprehensive waste management system and limited awareness among some visitors have further exacerbated the problem.

Community members fear that if the current trend continues, Gangtey Gewog’s natural beauty and ecological richness will be overshadowed by waste. There are growing calls for urgent intervention from relevant authorities to implement stricter waste regulations, improve waste collection systems, and launch awareness campaigns targeting both residents and tourists. As Bhutan continues to promote sustainable tourism, Gangtey Gewog stands as a reminder of the challenges that come with balancing environmental conservation and economic development. Without timely action, one of the country’s most treasured valleys may risk being overwhelmed.

Kinley Gyeltshen, the Gup of Gangtey Gewog, expressed concern over the rapidly increasing waste problem in the community. He warned that the gewog may soon be overwhelmed if timely action is not taken. “If we do not act now, the gewog will soon be filled with waste,” he said. To address the issue, the gewog administration has initiated a community-based waste management program. As part of this initiative, residents come together once a month to clean and manage waste in their respective chiwogs. This collective effort aims to reduce the impact of waste on both the community and the environment.

Gup Kinley Gyeltshen also highlighted the importance of advocacy in promoting better waste management practices. He shared that the gewog regularly conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs to sensitize the public on the importance of reducing, reusing, and properly disposing of waste. “We are continuously raising the issue of waste and educating our people about responsible waste management,” he added. “It is our collective responsibility to keep Gangtey clean and to preserve our environment for future generations.”

The Environment Officer of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag has raised growing concerns over the escalating waste problem in the region. She warned that it’s a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem and the survival of iconic species like the Black-Necked Crane. She stated that while the issue of waste management has been a longstanding concern, there is currently no concrete long-term plan in place to address it. She stressed the importance of community participation in managing waste more responsibly, highlighting the urgency of minimizing its environmental impact.

“Waste continues to be one of the biggest environmental challenges in Gangtey. If not addressed in time, it could severely affect our natural habitats, water sources, and even the Black-Necked Cranes, which are a symbol of ecological balance in our region,” she said.

In response to the growing problem, the Dzongkhag is currently in the process of developing a Terms of Reference (TOR) for waste management and beautification. This initiative aims to involve all gewogs, schools, and institutions within the dzongkhag. The main objective of the TOR is to appoint a focal person in every institution who will be responsible for overseeing waste management in their respective areas. These individuals will facilitate regular waste segregation, disposal, and community clean-up campaigns, ensuring a more organized and efficient approach. The Environment Officer also pointed out that involving schools and local institutions is crucial, as educating the younger generation can bring about long-term behavioral change. She reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, local leaders, civil society organizations, and the public. The officer hopes that the TOR, once finalized, will lay a foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Wangdue Phodrang.

The dzongkhag, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, is also home to ecologically sensitive areas. Any threat to its environment could have long-lasting consequences on the region’s flora and fauna, particularly endangered species like the Black-Necked Crane which migrate to the area during the winter season. With rising tourism, growing settlements, and increasing consumption patterns, managing waste has become a pressing concern.

With the rise in tourist arrivals, the increasing number of hotels and resorts being established has become a growing concern for the local authorities. Gup Gyeltshen expressed his worry, stating that while tourism brings economic opportunities, it also poses environmental challenges. “One of the prime concerns is the increasing number of hotels and resorts being established to accommodate the growing influx of visitors,” Gup Gyeltshen said. He pointed out that the waste dumping yard in the area remains poorly maintained, with animals frequently rummaging through the scattered garbage. He further explained that the surge in tourist numbers, both domestic and international, has worsened the waste situation. “Not only the residents but even the tourists may start to think that the waste is taking over the place. That is why we have noticed some tourists getting involved in waste management activities themselves,” he added. The Gup stressed the need for urgent attention to the issue before it begins to impact the image of the community and its potential for sustainable tourism.

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) team based in Phobjikha has been actively involved in addressing the growing waste issue in the valley through regular community participation and advocacy efforts. The team said they take part in monthly waste collection campaigns with local residents and seize every opportunity to support waste management initiatives in the valley. In some cases, they also help coordinate these activities. In addition to clean-up efforts, RSPN carries out advocacy and awareness programs on proper waste management both within Phobjikha and in surrounding areas. These activities are aimed at supporting wetland conservation, which is critical for the survival of the Black-Necked Crane and other species in the valley. “Waste management has become a rising issue in the valley.

Before the arrival of the Black-Necked Cranes, we prepare the wetlands by removing waste, invasive species, and anything that could harm the cranes and other wildlife,” said a member of the RSPN team. They added that these immediate actions are part of a broader conservation approach. For long-term sustainability, RSPN is working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen policies focused on wetland and Black-Necked Crane conservation, along with protection of other species in the area. The team also highlighted the challenges posed by the current landfill site, which was initially designed to last for 15 years but became overwhelmed within just five years. “The issue in Phobjikha is the volume of waste generated, especially from the business sector,” they noted.

Sonam Tobgay, the Experience Coordinator of Gangtey Lodge, shared that the lodge, along with several other hotels in the area, has formed a dedicated waste management team. The team is tasked with handling waste collection and ensuring proper segregation of waste materials. According to Sonam Tobgay, the initiative focuses on separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, with particular emphasis on minimizing environmental impact. He highlighted that non-degradable waste is not simply discarded. Instead, it is collected and sold to appropriate vendors, promoting recycling and reducing the burden on landfill sites. He further mentioned that as part of their responsibility toward sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, Gangtey Lodge pays an annual waste management fee of Nu 10,000 to the gewog administration. This contribution supports the broader hospitality waste management system initiated by the gewog. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility among hospitality providers in preserving the pristine environment of Gangtey. He expressed hope that more tourism businesses would join the initiative to promote eco-friendly practices and long-term waste solutions in the region.

The Manager of Amankora Gangtey has raised concerns over the increasing waste problem in Gangtey, attributing the rise to the growing number of tourism-related establishments in the area. He noted that waste has become a pressing issue and can be seen accumulating in different parts of the valley, which is otherwise known for its pristine environment and scenic beauty. He stated that Amankora Gangtey is making efforts to contribute towards addressing this challenge. As part of its initiative, the resort contributes Nu 10,000 annually to the Gewog Administration to support local waste management activities. The financial contribution is aimed at helping the community manage waste more effectively and promote cleanliness in the area, especially with the rising number of visitors each year.

“With the increase in hotels and other tourism facilities, waste management is becoming more difficult. It would be beneficial if the Department of Tourism could take a closer look at this growing issue and support more sustainable waste solutions,” he said. The manager emphasized the importance of preserving the natural environment of Gangtey, which is a key attraction for tourists. He expressed hope that greater collaboration among stakeholders, including local authorities, tourism operators, and government agencies, could lead to long-term solutions. Gangtey has seen a steady rise in tourism over the years, which has contributed positively to the local economy. However, the growing waste issue poses a threat to both the environment and the quality of tourist experiences. Local leaders and residents have also expressed the need for improved waste collection systems, awareness programs, and stronger enforcement of waste regulations.