BBSCL

With the country’s elderly population projected to double by 2047, concerns about age-friendly infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and public services have become pressing issues. Two months ago, the Cabinet Secretariat organised a multi-sectoral workshop supported by the United Nations Population Fund to develop action plans for Senior Citizen Policy. To garner support, the Royal Society for Senior Citizens conducted a high-level...

The Royal Audit Authority's latest annual report reveals persistent quality issues in public construction, with 139 cases of poor work recorded during the 2023-2024 financial year. Despite follow-ups, only 91 of these cases were resolved, spanning 62 projects. The report urges the government and agencies to enforce stricter measures to curb substandard practices and safeguard public investments. According to the...

In Samdrup Jongkhar’s Langchenphu Gewog, areca nut leaf sheaths are being transformed into biodegradable plates and cups. These eco-friendly alternatives are replacing plastic at celebrations. This shift has helped reduce pollution and promote a cleaner and greener community. Without the areca nut plate and cup-manufacturing unit, the areca nut sheaths were discarded openly. Now, they are collected and processed into...

Farmers of Tashichhoeling Gewog in Samtse, who depend on areca nut farming, are struggling with frequent elephant attacks. These elephants damage homes, threaten lives, and destroy betel nut trees, undoing years of hard work. Frustrated by the losses, the affected farmers are urging authorities to implement stronger measures and provide damage compensation caused by elephants and other wildlife. Elephants have...