𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

…𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍’𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒔.

By Tashi Tshewang

The Taba Riverbanks, located in a rapidly expanding suburb of the capital city with increasing housing developments and settlements, are facing a severe environmental crisis as pollution levels continue to rise. Residents and environmentalists are sounding alarms over the growing amounts of plastic waste, household garbage, and other pollutants being indiscriminately dumped along the riverbanks. Once a clean and scenic area, the river is now burdened by a mounting accumulation of waste, posing significant threats to water quality, local biodiversity, and public health.

The accumulation of waste along the riverbanks has far-reaching consequences. Non-biodegradable materials such as plastic debris clog the waterways, disrupting the natural flow of the river and affecting aquatic life. Toxic substances from improperly discarded waste seep into the water, contaminating it and endangering both aquatic species and the people who depend on the river for water and other resources. Local wildlife, including fish, birds, and small mammals, are particularly vulnerable, suffering from habitat degradation and exposure to harmful pollutants. Ingesting plastics and toxins has led to severe health issues or even death among these species. Moreover, the pollution fosters the growth of harmful bacteria and algae, further degrading water quality and rendering it unsafe for human use.

Local residents are deeply concerned about the worsening state of the riverbanks. The unchecked disposal of waste, combined with weak enforcement of waste management policies, has led to irreversible environmental damage. Waste is accumulating at an alarming rate, prompting calls for urgent intervention. Citizens are urging local authorities to take immediate and effective action to curb pollution. Stronger policies and stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations could help deter irresponsible dumping. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure, including adequate garbage collection and disposal facilities, has only exacerbated the issue, necessitating solutions at both individual and governmental levels.

A multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, environmental organizations, and the local community is essential to tackle the growing pollution problem. Several initiatives are required to restore the cleanliness and sustainability of the riverbanks. Authorities must implement and enforce strict regulations to prevent illegal waste dumping, with fines and penalties for individuals and businesses that fail to adhere to proper waste disposal practices.
Organizing regular cleanup drives involving volunteers, local schools, and organizations will help in the immediate removal of waste. Such initiatives can also foster a sense of collective responsibility and encourage sustainable waste disposal practices.

Additionally, educating residents about the harmful impacts of pollution and the importance of responsible waste disposal is crucial for long-term behavioral change. Awareness programs in schools and community centers will instill eco-friendly practices from an early age. Implementing waste segregation at the household and community levels will also reduce the amount of waste that ends up along the riverbanks. Establishing recycling centers will help divert plastic and other recyclable materials from the environment. Setting up more garbage bins and waste collection points at strategic locations will provide residents with convenient alternatives to illegal dumping. Moreover, improving waste collection services will ensure proper disposal of garbage. Restoration and beautification projects, such as planting trees, creating green spaces, and constructing walking paths, will rejuvenate the riverbanks and discourage further dumping.

The growing waste problem at Taba Riverbank has sparked concern among both residents and visitors. Thinley Dorji, a local resident, expressed frustration, stating, “The waste is surely a concern here at the Taba Riverbank. I wonder why people throw their waste at the cliff instead of using the many dustbins and dustbin trucks that come to collect the waste. It might be due to convenience, but it’s really spoiling the area. It smells so bad when I go for a walk near that area.”

Improper waste disposal not only affects the beauty of the area but also leaves a negative impression on visitors. “When I come from town and look at the riverbanks and that cliff, it’s so annoying to see the view filled with waste. I wonder what foreign guests might think if they see it,” Dorji added.

Thimphu Thromde’s City Environment Division has been actively working to control the pollution along the riverbanks. The Chief Environment Officer of Thimphu Thromde, Sonam Wangchuk, said, “We have taken multiple steps to address this issue, from installing interceptors (waste traps) to organizing regular cleanup campaigns. But waste management is not just about cleaning up—it’s about prevention, enforcement, and community participation.”

Despite these efforts, managing waste in Taba remains a persistent challenge, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the cliffs. Ugyen, Taba Thromde Thuemi explained, “Even though we collect waste multiple times, the problem is far from being solved. A major issue dates back to when buildings were under construction. Laborers discarded waste over the cliff, and now it’s hard to retrieve. We collect as much as we can from reachable areas, but the waste thrown down the cliff is risky to remove.”

In response, a major cleanup drive is scheduled for April 20 to address the accumulated waste in the difficult-to-reach areas.
The Taba Committee plays a significant role in maintaining the locality, focusing on drainage and environmental issues. The committee also works on waste segregation and reduction, actively picking and sorting waste materials to minimize the overall burden.

Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, some residents persist in irresponsible waste disposal. However, local authorities and volunteers remain committed to addressing the issue through continuous waste reduction efforts and community-driven initiatives.

Addressing Taba’s waste issue requires a collaborative approach involving authorities, residents, and volunteers. With sustained efforts, stricter enforcement, and increased public cooperation, the long-term goal of a cleaner and healthier environment can be achieved.

Thimphu Thromde’s waste interceptors have already reduced plastic pollution in the river by 15% over the past year. Regular cleaning campaigns, often led by students from Taba and Dechencholing schools, aim to instill environmental responsibility among the younger generation. While these efforts are promising, challenges remain, as waste still finds its way back to the riverbanks.

Managing urban waste in a rapidly growing city like Thimphu is a daunting task. Limited funding and manpower stretch the Thromde’s waste management teams thin, and illegal dumping remains a persistent issue. CCTV cameras have been installed in certain hotspots to deter illegal dumping, but monitoring and taking action in real time remain challenging. Additionally, infrastructure gaps, such as insufficient waste disposal facilities and seasonal rainwater washing waste into drainage systems, continue to complicate cleanup efforts.

However, Thimphu Thromde has seen promising results from its initiatives. Public participation in cleanup drives has increased by 40%, showing a growing awareness among the community. Symposia organized in partnership with the Bhutan Ecological Society have promoted sustainable solutions like waste-to-resource programs, resulting in the creation of at least five community-led recycling projects.

The ongoing Clean Thimphu City Initiative Project is further strengthening waste management efforts, with improved collection systems and greater community engagement. By introducing additional collection routes and designated drop-off points, Thromde has made waste disposal more efficient, reducing overflow in high-density areas.
For Thimphu Thromde, the ultimate solution lies in collaboration. “The community plays a vital role in protecting the river,” Wangchuk emphasized. “Simple actions like waste segregation, participating in regular cleanup drives, and using kitchen waste as compost for agricultural use can make a significant difference. If we work together, we can maintain a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.”

Thimphu Thromde continues to strengthen its waste management efforts, but it urges residents, businesses, and local organizations to take ownership of the problem. Keeping the Taba Riverbanks clean is not just the responsibility of the authorities; it requires a shared commitment from the entire community. Only through collective action can Thimphu move toward a more sustainable and waste-free future.