For years, waste from Jomotsangkha Dungkhag town in Samdrup Jongkhar was dumped in open pits, creating an eyesore, foul smells and environmental concerns. But more than a month after the town’s first landfill began operating at Jangsa, residents are noticing a significant improvement. Waste that once accumulated near the town is now collected by a garbage truck and transported to the designated landfill. Residents say the change has made waste management easier and improved the cleanliness of the town.
“With the landfill and garbage truck, managing waste has become much easier. Earlier, waste was dumped near the town, and the bad smell was a problem. Now, the town looks much cleaner,” said resident Rinchen Thinley. Residents are also becoming more responsible in managing their waste by separating recyclables and keeping garbage at designated collection points. Bottles and other recyclable materials are sold, while plastic and kitchen waste are sent to the landfill.
The Nu 5.8 million landfill was funded by Bhutan for Life and jointly implemented by Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary and the District Administration. Druk Green Power Corporation supported the project with a waste compactor. Designed to serve the town for more than 20 years, the landfill is expected to provide Jomotsangkha with a cleaner and more sustainable waste management system.