𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐞𝐲

…𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌

By Kezang Choden

Gangteys’ waste management has seen significant improvement as Desuups deployed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) carry out clean-up operations under a national initiative. The team recently received a virtual briefing from the PMO and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) through a Zoom session. The briefing provided clarity on coordination and outlined the objectives of the project. Officials stated that the initiative, coordinated directly by the PMO, aims not only to address waste issues but also to engage youth in meaningful work.

In Gangtey, the initiative has resulted in better monitoring of landfills and the construction of segregation sheds to ensure proper waste disposal. Riverbanks are being maintained and kept free of waste, reflecting growing community awareness and responsibility for environmental protection. Local businesses, including hotels, resorts, and home stays, have supported the program through budget contributions, enabling the maintenance of waste-carrying tractors and landfill sheds. Members of the Gangtey-Phobji Environment Management Committee (GPEMC) have also installed CCTV cameras along the stretch from Lawala Chorten to the Eusa landfill to strengthen monitoring and discourage illegal dumping.

Gangtey Gewog Gup Kinley Gyeltshen expressed gratitude to the PMO, the MoICE, and the Desuups for their support in improving waste management. “The timely support from the government and the dedicated service of Desuups have made a visible improvement in maintaining cleanliness in the area,” he said. The Gup highlighted that Gangtey, one of the country’s most visited tourist spots, attracts both local and international visitors. He reminded the public that keeping Gangtey clean is a shared responsibility. “It is everyone’s responsibility to preserve the beauty of our place,” Gup Kinley Gyeltshen said, urging visitors to carry back their waste and avoid littering.

He further emphasized that while government support is ongoing, the long-term solution depends on community participation and responsible behavior. Preserving Gangtey’s environment is crucial for sustaining tourism and protecting the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

Desuup Madhan Kumar Rai stated that following their recent deployment, the team inspected waste conditions in and around the main river flowing through the valley. “Beyond the Area Specific Operational Plan responsibilities, we have expressed our willingness to contribute more for the benefit of the community and the local people here. We inspected all the critical areas that required immediate clean-up and we believe that working closely with the gewog administration will enhance the impact of our efforts,” he said. The Desuups have been focusing not only on clearing visible waste but also on identifying recurring problem zones along riverbanks and nearby settlements. Officials stressed that strict compliance with waste management regulations is necessary and warned that violators will face penalties. The burning of waste has also been strictly prohibited to prevent health risks, environmental degradation, and threats to the scenic beauty of Gangtey-Phobji.

The ongoing campaign reflects collaboration between Desuups and the gewog administration to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and promote responsible waste management among residents and visitors. The Gup pointed out that effective waste management cannot be achieved by a single office alone. “It requires active participation from every section of society, including civil servants, community members, Desuups and relevant agencies. When all stakeholders come forward, the impact becomes visible and sustainable,” he said. He noted that proper waste management is essential for maintaining Gangtey’s reputation as a clean and attractive tourist destination and expressed optimism that shared responsibility will help safeguard the area’s natural beauty while ensuring a healthier environment for residents.

Desuup Madhan highlighted some challenges faced during clean-up operations. Transportation issues make carrying collected waste to different areas time-consuming and physically demanding. In some cases, individuals are reluctant to participate in community clean-up activities, and Desuups have occasionally experienced discrimination, which has been disheartening. Despite these setbacks, Madhan said the team remains committed to its duties. “We motivate each other and continue our work with determination, because we understand the importance of keeping our environment clean,” he said. He added that teamwork and mutual encouragement among Desuups help maintain morale, allowing them to overcome challenges and fulfill their responsibility to both the community and the environment. Local officials reinforced that waste management is a responsibility shared by all residents and visitors.