BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
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Phurpa Wangmo
The Dzongkhag administration of Trashigang has taken a creative approach to address the ongoing waste management challenges in the area. In an effort to encourage children and people to actively participate in waste disposal, the administration has introduced new bins with toy and animal themes. The idea behind this initiative is to make waste disposal a fun and engaging activity especially for children.
Studies have shed light on the connection between children’s motivation and their enjoyment of activities. Capitalizing on this knowledge, the Dzongkhag administration is spearheading a pioneering effort to revolutionize waste management. By introducing toy-themed waste bins strategically placed throughout the area, they hope to capture the attention and active participation of children. This innovative approach seeks to instill a sense of enthusiasm and responsibility among young individuals, laying the foundation for a greener and cleaner future.
Trashigang has long grappled with waste management challenges, despite regular cleaning campaigns and awareness programs. Many individuals persist in leaving their trash outside designated areas, resulting in waste scavengers and littering in nearby locations. This behavior reflects a lack of understanding of the fundamental principle of “My waste, my responsibility.”
Speaking about the initiative, the Dzongda of Trashigang Dzongkhag highlighted its genesis, saying, “During my travels, I encountered these charming toy-themed bins in a neighboring town and realized their potential in waste management. Collaborating with the municipal department, we decided to bring these bins to our area and strategically position them.”
Dezom, Environment officer, emphasized that each waste bin has been strategically placed at specific locations and assigned to nearby residents. It is the responsibility of these residents to ensure the bins are well-maintained and not allowed to overflow. Furthermore, a waste management awareness campaign is scheduled to be organized for the core town residents, providing an opportunity to present ideas and gather feedback on desired features for future waste bin designs.
“While numerous waste bins have been installed in the past, Trashigang Dzongkhag has continually faced challenges with waste management. The introduction of these new bins is expected to address the issue of littering in public places to some extent. The bins have been placed strategically and assigned to nearby residents, who are responsible for emptying and maintaining them,” explained Dezom.
It is important to note that the toy-themed waste bins are designated for the disposal of plastics and other dry waste only. Separate waste collection systems are in place for household and municipal waste, managed by the Dzongkhag municipal sector.
To ensure adherence to waste regulations, the Dzongkhag Environment Committee has been designated as the primary regulatory body responsible for monitoring and controlling waste offenses. A dedicated waste monitoring team will conduct surprise inspections to curb waste violations, striving towards a cleaner environment in the near future.
Local shopkeeper, Deki, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “It is a brilliant idea to have these animal themed bins in our area. I have noticed that our children particularly enjoy using them, and I have observed a reduction in waste in our vicinity.”
Tshering, a resident of Trashigang town, applauded the Dzongkhag administration, stating, “This commendable initiative taken by our local administration should extend beyond Trashigang town to other core areas of the Dzongkhag.”
Demonstrating their unwavering dedication to instilling environmental responsibility in the younger generation, the Dzongkhag administration of Trashigang has made a substantial investment in acquiring toy-themed waste bins. With an expenditure of approximately Nu. 94,000, the Municipal unit under the Engineering and Human Settlement Sector has procured 20 innovative bins. Currently, 17 bins have been deployed throughout Trashigang town, while an additional three bins have been strategically placed in Rangjung
The introduction of these visually appealing waste bins, adorned with toy and animal themes, signifies the administration’s commitment to engaging children and fostering a sense of fun and involvement in waste disposal practices. The aim is to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all residents of Trashigang.
The investment in these toy-themed waste bins aligns with the Dzongkhag administration’s overarching vision of promoting environmental awareness and responsibility among young individuals. By infusing an element of playfulness into waste disposal, they hope to inspire a sense of enthusiasm and encourage active participation in keeping Trashigang and Rangjung clean and sustainable.
The implementation of these bins marks a significant step forward in Trashigang’s waste management journey, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to finding innovative solutions to persistent challenges. As the bins are distributed strategically, the administration remains hopeful that their positive impact will be felt throughout the community.
The Dzongkhag administration’s investment in these toy-themed waste bins not only reflects their commitment to fostering environmental responsibility but also highlights their proactive approach to creating a greener future for Trashigang. By engaging the younger generation through playful means, they are paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
