BBSCL

Local leaders in Chhukha, especially of larger gewogs, are worried about the decline in their block grant budget for the 13th Five-Year Plan. During the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, they raised concerns over the Resource Allocation Formula used in distributing the grant. They said that it will widen the economic development gap between larger and smaller gewogs. The local leaders are...

Discussions are underway to amend the existing tobacco control laws in response to the growing use of e-cigarettes among Bhutanese youth. Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said that while traditional tobacco products and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are taxed at 100 per cent, nicotine-free e-cigarettes are only taxed for the device. This highlights regulatory gaps for non-nicotine e-cigarettes, particularly those with flavored variants....

Sheytemi in Merak Gewog is set to come alive with vibrant colours as Trashigang hosts the first-ever Rhododendron Week. As visitors explore blooming rhododendrons against the backdrop of majestic mountains, the festival promises to showcase the region’s rich biodiversity while uplifting local businesses and communities. Nestled in the picturesque Sheytemi valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora, the...

Almost everyone in Bhutan has access to improved water sources, but only 63 per cent have 24-hour access to drinking water. This was highlighted in a 2020 article by the former Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan. Five years on, some still face water shortages in a water-rich country. Yarpheling village in Sarpang is home to around 140 households. Jerrycans and...