Waste, long considered an urban issue, is no longer confined to our cities and towns. Even remote areas such as Sakteng and Lunana, celebrated for their pristine landscapes and cultural richness, are grappling with waste problems today. The issue is not the waste itself—it is the failure to manage it effectively. Poor waste management threatens the very essence of these communities, from their environment to their way of life.
As we strive to promote tourism and showcase our festivals and natural beauty, the increasing waste problem becomes a critical concern. Tourists bring economic opportunities, yes, but they also bring trash. While Sakteng’s unique culture and Lunana’s spectacular glacial landscapes attract visitors, the infrastructure to handle waste has not kept pace. The result is mindless dumping of trash, polluting the environment and undermining Bhutan’s identity as a green and environmentally conscious nation.
To frame the issue clearly: waste management is failing due to insufficient investment and planning. Current systems, even in urban areas, often lack the capacity to collect, sort, and dispose of waste efficiently. In remote regions, the challenges are magnified by isolation, difficult terrain, and limited resources. Waste that is not properly managed does not disappear; it accumulates, contaminates water sources, endangers wildlife, and diminishes the experience for future visitors.
We have taken commendable steps in waste reduction, such as banning single-use plastics and promoting environmental awareness. However, these efforts must be matched with robust investments in waste management infrastructure. Remote areas need proper waste collection points, transportation systems, and disposal facilities. Equally important is education and enforcement to ensure communities and visitors alike adopt responsible waste practices.
Festivals, treks, and other cultural events must also be seen as part of the solution rather than contributors to the problem. Organisers must work with local governments and environmental agencies to implement strict waste management protocols. Waste audits before and after events, designated waste zones, and incentives for eco-friendly behaviour can go a long way in ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Tourism stakeholders must also be held accountable. Tour operators, guides, and tourists themselves need to follow strict guidelines for waste management, such as carrying their trash back to designated disposal sites. The idea of “Leave No Trace” must be more than a slogan—it must be a practice ingrained in every visitor who ventures into Bhutan’s natural spaces.
At its core, waste management requires funding and political will. Investment in proper infrastructure, from waste treatment plants to education campaigns, is not an optional expense but a necessary one. Ignoring the problem today will only lead to far higher environmental and financial costs tomorrow.
Our commitment to Gross National Happiness is intertwined with its environmental stewardship. If waste mismanagement is allowed to persist, it risks eroding the foundation of that commitment.
It is time to act decisively and ensure that every part of the beautiful and pristine country, from its cities to its remotest villages, remains as vibrant as it is today.