BBSCL

The recent Tibet earthquake with its tremors felt across the Himalayas was a cause for alarm for Bhutan. While the quake had only triggered an avalanche in Lunana, the Department of Geology and Mines emphasises that adhering to earthquake-resilient building codes is crucial for withstanding future seismic shocks in major towns. The earthquake-resilient building codes are systematically implemented in Bhutan...

The Royal Monetary Authority's 2024 annual report reveals that inflation in Bhutan has dropped to one of its lowest levels last year since the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure fell to 2 per cent as of August from 5.7 per cent in the same month in 2023. This decline, largely driven by falling fuel prices and slower increases in non-food costs,...

Farmers of Thasa and Kompa chiwogs of Dagana’s Laja Gewog will finally have access to reliable irrigation water starting this year. The irrigation water scheme for the two chiwogs is nearing completion. This is expected to boost agricultural production, especially rice yield and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Farmers in Thasa Chiwog are currently busy threshing paddy grown mostly using rainwater and...

The Chithuen Phendhey Association, a civil society organisation, and individuals recovering from substance use disorders are calling for systemic reforms in the country’s response to drug abuse. Speaking at a recent community-led advocacy network summit in Phuentshogling, they highlighted rising drug issues and shifting patterns of drug use in the country. Plans are underway to appeal to the Prime Minister’s...