𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍- 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

Bhutan is blessed with abundant water resources, distinguishing it from many nations facing water scarcity. However, despite this blessing, Bhutan is not immune to environmental degradation, climate change, and poor resource management. The signs are already clear-water sources are drying up, streams that once flowed freely have become seasonal, and springs that used to sustain communities have diminished. While Bhutan’s water resources are vast, they are not limitless. It is time we take special care to protect and conserve them for future generations.

Bhutan’s freshwater comes primarily from glaciers, monsoon rains, and streams, all intricately linked to the forests and ecosystems that surround them. Over-harvesting of forests, unsustainable development, and the global impacts of climate change are threatening these lifelines of our water systems. As Bhutan’s population grows and agricultural demands increase, the situation worsens. If we continue on this path, we may face a water crisis despite the current abundance.

A key solution to this challenge is forest conservation. Forests act as natural reservoirs, capturing rainfall, maintaining groundwater levels, and feeding streams and rivers. Trees around water sources play a crucial role in retaining soil moisture, preventing erosion, and regulating water flow. Planting trees around water sources and protecting forests from deforestation should be a top priority. These green buffers are essential guardians of our water sources, ensuring they remain viable for future use.

Unfortunately, human activities continue to harm these ecosystems. Logging, clearing land for agriculture, and encroaching on forested areas near water sources contribute to the degradation of these critical zones. To address this, strict regulations are necessary. Fencing water sources and creating protected zones where activities like logging are prohibited can help preserve the natural ecosystems that sustain our water supply. Local communities, often dependent on these water sources, must be educated about the long-term consequences of unsustainable practices and encouraged to participate in conservation efforts.

Bhutan is currently one of the world’s most water-rich nations, with a per capita water availability of 94,508 cubic meters per year-one of the highest globally. The country also boasts around 78,000 million cubic meters of annual internal renewable surface water and is home to 677 glaciers and 2,674 glacial lakes, critical components of its freshwater system. These numbers suggest comfort, but they also serve as a warning. Abundance can lead to complacency, and without proper care, we may see these figures rapidly decline in the future.

The threat to Bhutan’s water sources is not just a local issue; it is part of a broader global problem. Climate change is already altering weather patterns, causing more erratic monsoons, glacial melt, and prolonged droughts. In Bhutan, we are witnessing the impacts of glacial melt and shifting rainfall patterns. The accelerated melting of glaciers due to rising temperatures could result in significant water shortages during dry seasons. While glacial lakes are abundant now, they also pose a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) if they overflow or burst due to glacier melt.

Additionally, global factors exacerbate the environmental crisis. Conflicts, deforestation, and environmental degradation in other parts of the world impact Bhutan as well. Forest fires, pollution, and the destruction of ecosystems elsewhere contribute to the planet’s overall environmental imbalance. The Bhutanese belief in “Capnupney,” or the eventual turning of the world to ash, may seem distant, but the degradation we see today could very well be a sign of the future.

Given the interconnectedness of ecosystems and global climate, Bhutan cannot afford to remain a passive observer. We must take proactive measures to protect our water sources, beginning with safeguarding forests and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The National Environment Commission (NEC) plays a critical role in this regard. The NEC has long been instrumental in providing environmental clearances for development projects, but it must now take stronger action to address the growing threats to water resources.

The NEC should push for legislation that prioritizes water source protection. This must include regulations for reforestation in vulnerable areas, promotion of electric vehicles to reduce emissions, and encouragement of sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about water conservation and the importance of protecting ecosystems is essential. The government should explore alternative energy sources and promote a shift to sustainable lifestyles—reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials. Encouraging plant-based diets and reducing reliance on resource-heavy industries can also help mitigate environmental damage.

Bhutan’s water abundance is a precious gift, but we must not take it for granted. As climate change and environmental degradation continue to threaten our water sources, it is essential that we act now to protect them. By conserving forests, implementing sustainable practices, and supporting the NEC’s efforts, we can ensure that our water resources remain viable for generations to come.

By Tshering, Thimphu