𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬

…𝑬𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝑬𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

By Kezang Choden

Gangtey Gewog, a scenic and historically significant region under Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, is facing a burgeoning waste management crisis that threatens to compromise its environmental integrity. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Phobjikha Valley, and the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival, the Gewog has become a major tourist attraction. However, this popularity is now posing significant challenges as the area struggles to cope with the growing waste generated by an increasing number of visitors.

Gangtey Gewog’s pristine beauty has long been a draw for tourists seeking a connection with nature. Yet, in recent years, this allure has been marred by the visible accumulation of waste, particularly non-biodegradable materials such as plastics. These pollutants can be found scattered along popular trails, roadsides, and even within the valley itself, turning what was once a picture-perfect destination into a troubling reminder of the cost of unchecked tourism.

At the core of the waste crisis in Gangtey Gewog is the inadequacy of the existing waste management infrastructure. As the number of tourists has surged, the volume of waste produced has similarly increased, but the systems in place to handle this waste have not been expanded or upgraded to match the demand. This has led to widespread improper disposal practices, including open dumping and burning, which are not only unsightly but also environmentally destructive.

“The situation has become increasingly dire,” said the Environment Officer of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag. “Pollutants from discarded waste are seeping into wetlands and streams, disrupting aquatic life and altering the chemical composition of these vital water bodies.” This ecological imbalance is particularly concerning given the area’s importance as a habitat for endangered species, including the black-necked crane, whose survival is closely linked to the health of the local ecosystem.

The Gup of Gangtey Gewog, Kinley Gyeltshen, expressed deep concern over the changes that have taken place in the Gewog in recent years. “Compared to before, our Gewog has changed a lot,” he said. “It is disheartening to see the area now filled with waste. The natural beauty that once defined Gangtey Gewog is being overshadowed by this growing problem.”

In the past, the Gewog had an active waste management group that played a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of the area. This group, composed of local residents, organized regular clean-up activities and waste disposal efforts, driven by a strong sense of shared responsibility for the environment. “Previously, there was a dedicated team that worked together to ensure the cleanliness of our Gewog. But now, due to the increasing demands of personal work and responsibilities, the members are unable to continue their collective efforts,” Gup Gyeltshen explained.

The decline in community involvement in waste management has led to visible consequences in Gangtey Gewog, where litter and uncollected waste have become more common. This not only detracts from the area’s aesthetic appeal but also poses significant risks to local wildlife. Animals, including the endangered black-necked crane, are at risk of ingesting or becoming entangled in the waste, which could have devastating effects on their populations.

Moreover, the contamination of soil and water sources by pollutants from improperly disposed waste could have long-term implications for the health of the local environment and the communities that rely on it. The Environment Officer highlighted the broader implications of the waste crisis, noting that “the survival of iconic species like the black-necked crane is at serious risk if we do not take immediate and sustained action to address this issue.”

Local residents and business owners are also feeling the impact of the growing waste problem. Tshering Gyeltshen, a local homestay owner, described the increasing distress over the amount of waste accumulating in the area. “Once a month, we organize a cleaning campaign with the residents,” he said. “As owners of hotels and homestays, we contribute funds to hire tractors and cover fuel costs to transport the waste to the dumping yard.”

However, Gyeltshen pointed out that the current state of the dumping yard is far from satisfactory. “The dumping yard is not properly maintained. Animals frequently rummage through the waste, which is scattered around the area. It would be much better if the yard were properly fenced to prevent this,” he said. Gyeltshen also noted that the growing number of tourists, both from within the country and abroad, has exacerbated the waste problem. “The more tourists we have, the more waste we generate, but our infrastructure hasn’t kept up with this increase.”

In response to the escalating waste crisis, Gup Kinley Gyeltshen announced plans to construct a sanitary landfill within the Gewog, with the potential addition of waste recycling facilities. This initiative is part of ongoing discussions with the Dzongkhag Environment Department, which has been working closely with the Gewog administration to address the challenges posed by the waste management crisis.

“One of the prime concerns is the increasing number of hotels and resorts being established to accommodate the growing influx of visitors,” Gup Gyeltshen explained. “Despite regular cleaning campaigns organized by the Gewog administration, littering remains a significant issue due to the irresponsible behavior of some visitors.” The Gup emphasized that while the construction of a sanitary landfill is a step in the right direction, it alone will not be sufficient to resolve the crisis.

The proposed landfill and recycling facilities represent a significant investment, both financially and logistically. The success of these initiatives will depend on the availability of funds, technical expertise, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Additionally, there is a need for more effective public awareness campaigns to educate both locals and tourists on the importance of responsible waste disposal and the consequences of neglecting this duty.

The Dzongkhag Environment Officer underscored the importance of community engagement in tackling the waste crisis. “While infrastructure improvements are essential, they must be accompanied by a shift in behavior. Both locals and tourists need to understand the impact of their actions on the environment and be encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices.”

The waste management crisis in Gangtey Gewog is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and collective action. The natural beauty and ecological significance of the area are invaluable assets that must be preserved not only for the local community but also for future generations and the global community at large.

To effectively address the waste crisis, it is imperative that all stakeholders government authorities, local residents, business owners, and tourists work together to find sustainable solutions. This includes enhancing waste management infrastructure, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, and enforcing regulations to ensure compliance with waste disposal guidelines.

Gup Gyeltshen called on the community to renew their commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of Gangtey Gewog. “We must find a balance between welcoming visitors to our Gewog and protecting the environment that makes it so special. This is not just about keeping our streets clean; it is about safeguarding our future.”

As Gangtey Gewog moves forward with plans to improve waste management, the hope is that these efforts will not only resolve the immediate crisis but also set a precedent for sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship in Bhutan and beyond. The road ahead will be challenging, but with determination and collaboration, Gangtey Gewog can reclaim its status as one of Bhutan’s most cherished and pristine destinations.