BBSCL

With the country facing increasing natural disasters driven by climate change, Bhutan’s disaster preparedness remains inadequate. This is according to the World Bank’s recent "Crisis Preparedness Gap Analysis" policy brief. This year alone, Bhutan has already experienced around five reported forest fire cases and an earthquake, highlighting the natural hazards the country is vulnerable to. According to the document, the...

Sonam Norbu who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter concerning the death of 24-year-old Namgay Dolkar has appealed against the Thimphu District Court’s judgment passed last month. The appeal was made to the district court last week. The court found Sonam Norbu guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced him to nearly 15 years in prison. The appeal was made on the...

The 600-megawatt Khorlochhu Hydro Power Project took a major step forward with the signing of four contracts worth Nu 16.8bn on 10th January. The contracts will cover the construction of a dam and powerhouse. The two main shareholders, Druk Green Power Corporation and Tata Power Company Limited, also held their first general and board meetings in Trashi Yangtse, appointing the...

A six-kilometre stretch of the road between Martang and Ashikhar village on the 48-kilometre Dewathang-Samdrupchhoeling Highway has been flagged as one of the worst sections of the route. The severely deteriorated road conditions have raised safety concerns among commuters and residents, prompting calls for urgent government action to address the issue. The residents of Martang and Ashikhar villages claim that...