Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

Without waste collection facilities, Narphung town residents have to dump their waste near their shops, in their backyards, and along the road.

Some load the waste into vehicles and dump it in Samdrupjongkhar town when they go there for shopping.

A shopkeeper, Tshering Dendup, 36, said it’s challenging for those without vehicles. “Dogs scatter the waste around.”

Another shopkeeper, Bumo, 47, said they have to pay Nu 2,000 to hire a Bolero or Nu 4,000 to hire a DCM to take waste to Samdrupjongkhar.

She said they used to collect Nu 100 each from shopkeepers to pay for the vehicle charges. “But we’ve since stopped doing that and we take our waste out ourselves.”

Shopkeepers said it is challenging because wet waste stinks and it affects their business. They are worried about their health, too.

Residents said authorities should identify a landfill and provide vehicles once a month.

Samdrupjongkhar dzongkhag environment officer, Sachin Limbu, said the dzongkhag administration hasn’t received any reports on waste management issues at Narphung town.

He said the dzongkhag would provide necessary support if there are issues. “Narphung town will be developed soon and a landfill will also be included in the plan.”

He said the dzongkhag does not have a municipal vehicle, but they would talk with the thromde administration and try to deploy a waste collection vehicle once a month.

Edited by Tashi Dema