Phuentshogling Thromde continues to struggle with littering and illegal waste dumping issues. The installation of CCTV cameras under the Safe City Project has done little to curb the problem. However, improvements in monitoring and addressing waste-related issues through CCTV cameras are expected, following recent discussions in the Thromde Tshogde.
A stroll through Phuentshogling town reveals a disheartening sight—chocolate wrappers, empty bottles, cigarette packs, and discarded buds litter the corners of the streets, staining the town’s beauty.
Last month, a large pile of garbage accumulated beneath the “Keep the City Clean” sign near the multi-storey car park.
Although the old waste in this area has been removed, new piles of garbage have appeared here again today.
According to Phuentshogling Thromde officials, a lack of coordination between relevant offices had occurred because CCTV monitoring was primarily focused on crimes.
Officials added that obtaining footage from the police was also challenging due to numerous procedures.
However, the matter was discussed during the Thromde Tshogde a few weeks ago.
The Phuentshogling Thrompon said that the police have agreed to cooperate in addressing waste issues as well.
In an earlier interview, the thrompon told BBS that education on waste management is crucial for driving change.
Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon said “In other well-developed countries, children are taught on managing wastes from an early age. So, proper waste management is kind of installed in their brain. But in our country, it is not considered important. So, until when do we create awareness? People won’t cooperate and be responsible even if they know. So besides having many rules and regulations, waste management is still an issue.”
Thromde officials said that they installed additional CCTV cameras with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
They added that these cameras help them track down illegal dumping, and they have already penalised several individuals.
Shopkeepers said that pedestrians often throw garbage on the street, making it challenging to maintain the town’s cleanliness.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sheurb Dorji
