Thukten Zangpo

In a bid to manage Thimphu’s growing traffic woes, the government is set to introduce higher vehicle registration fees and toll charges for vehicles entering the capital.

These measures are part of the government’s strategy to control vehicle numbers and curb traffic congestion in Thimphu.

The new fee structure will impact vehicles registered in Thimphu, with incremental increases proposed for existing vehicles over the coming years.

This policy change follows the lifting of the two-year vehicle import moratorium on August 18 following improvement in the macro-economic situation of the country and positive growth outlook.

The finance ministry’s directive highlights the urgent need to address the challenges posed by the rapid growth in vehicle numbers, including traffic congestion, pollution, and strain on infrastructure.

The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) has been tasked with developing a differentiated registration system specifically for Thimphu Thromde to address these concerns.

“This system will be distinct from the registration process in other parts of the country and aims to regulate the number of vehicles in the city more effectively. By managing the influx of vehicles, we seek to minimise the negative externalities and ensure that Thimphu city remains a vibrant and liveable city for all residents,” the ministry’s notification stated.

A BCTA official said that the authority is currently drafting the proposal for the new registration system, with plans to submit it to the government by December this year.

This initiative will introduce a distinct registration process for Thimphu. Including the Thimphu region, vehicles are registered in four other regions—Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrupjongkhar, and Mongar.

The new fee structure will include annual incremental increases for older vehicles registered in Thimphu.

Under the existing Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021, registration fees vary by vehicle type. Heavy vehicles weighing 18.5 tonnes incur a fee of Nu 17,000, inclusive of Nu 6,000 fees and charges,and Nu 7,000 motor vehicle tax. 

For medium vehicles weighing more than 3 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes, the registration fee is Nu 8,800, which includes 3,800 fees and charges and Nu 5,000 motor vehicle tax.

For light vehicles with 2501 cc and above, the registration fee is Nu 3,000, Nu 2,500 for 1501cc and 2500cc, and Nu 2,000 for 1500cc and below. The fee for private electric vehicles is Nu 2,000 against Nu 1,500 for government electric vehicles.

The registration fee for a 5-seater taxi is Nu 3,000 and Nu 6,500 for a 12-seater.

In addition to the registration fee, vehicle buyers are subject to Nu 500 as cost of registration certificate.

The annual renewal fee for different vehicle categories is the same as the registration fee.

If the government implements the fee structure with incremental increases for each year for the older vehicles already registered in Thimphu Thromde, the annual renewal fee will get higher each year.

Vehicles registered outside Thimphu but operating within the city will have to re-register under the new system.

The registration fee in the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021 was derived from the Tax Policy 1992 with the tax component.

The government is also exploring toll fees as a road pricing strategy to further manage congestion. The Department of Surface Transport is currently working on implementing these charges.

As of July 31 this year, there are 127, 316 vehicles in the country, with highest registered in Thimphu region at 69,947, followed by 39, 551 in Phuentsholing, 8,927 in Gelephu, 5,782 in Samdrupjongkhar, and 3,109 in Mongar.

KP Sharma

The Australian government’s recent decision to cut international student intakes at several universities starting 2025 has caused concerns among Bhutanese students who are planning to study in Australia.

Although Bhutan is relatively a minor market for Australian universities, the new restrictions are expected to create uncertainty for those aspiring to pursue higher education down under.

The new cap on the number of international students is part of a broader strategy of the Australian government to revert migration rates to pre-pandemic levels. Its new National Planning Level (NPL) sets the cap on international student enrollments at 270,000 for 2025. This substantial cut will impact 15 Australian universities.

Accompanying these restrictions are increases in visa fees and savings requirements for international students. These restrictions follow a major policy shift in July that introduced new age limits and revised eligibility criteria for international students to live and work in the country.

The data from the Australian government reveals a 10 percent rise in international student numbers since the pandemic, with a 50 percent increase in enrollments at private vocational and training institutions.

According to data released in May 2024, Australia is currently hosting around 810,960 international students.

The Australian government is concerned the sharp rise of foreign students has contributed to the decline in educational standards in certain institutions, with students prioritising employment over academics.

To address these concerns, the Australian government has imposed different caps for various educational institutions.

Public universities will only be allowed to admit 145,000 international students in 2025 while private universities and higher education providers can take in 30,000 students. Vocational and training institutes will be allowed to take in 95,000 students.

This move is intended to ensure a more regulated and controlled approach to foreign student admissions.

Impact on Bhutanese

students

Education consultancy firms in Bhutan shared mixed reactions to the potential impacts of these new policies.

Although Bhutan is a small market for Australian universities, some firms said that the restrictions could still affect Bhutanese students seeking education in Australia.

The concerns are heightened mainly because some of the most popular universities among Bhutanese students, such as Murdoch University in Perth, the University of Sydney, and the University of Melbourne, are among those affected by the new intake limits.

A Bhutanese working with an education consultancy firm in Australia said that the enrollment caps could prompt Bhutanese students to consider alternative study destinations in Europe.

“The number of Bhutanese trying to come to Australia has already decreased with the introduction of the age limit, but other destinations are equally picking up,” he said.

The consultant added that Bhutanese students may find it more challenging to enroll in high-demand courses due to increased competition caused by the enrollment cap.

However, not everyone is worried about the new restrictions.

A consultancy firm owner in Thimphu believes that while the reduction in student intake will have some impact, it should not be a concern for genuine students.

“Those with strong IELTS scores and other qualifications will still have a competitive edge while applying to prestigious universities,” he said, encouraging students to improve their credentials to navigate the tightened admissions process.

In 2023, around 12,622 Bhutanese students were enrolled in Australian universities, making Bhutan the 14th largest source country for international students in Australia. This figure excludes family members or other companions.

Thinley Namgay

In a celebration marking the first birth anniversary of Her Royal Highness (HRH) the Gyalsem, the Thimphu Tshechu Fair kicked off yesterday at the Clock Tower in Thimphu, with the opening day of the Tshechu festival. 

The three-day event is designed to highlight and promote Bhutan’s locally manufactured products, featuring a diverse range of offerings from across the country.

Organised by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) in collaboration with the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) and Pelden Enterprise Limited, the fair showcases 21 stalls displaying local arts and crafts, clothing, culinary delights, brewery products, and more.

A MoICE official said that the fair aims to boost entrepreneurship and foster inter-business networking while raising awareness of local products and encouraging preference for these products over imported goods.

“This fair is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to support local businesses and artisans,” said the official. “Our aim is to enhance public awareness about Bhutanese-made products and promote their value in the market.”

This year’s Tshechu Fair marks its second edition, following a successful debut last year.

The participants in the fair include representatives from cottage and small industries, startups, members from clusters and associations, artisans, and grassroots rural entrepreneurs, particularly women. Stalls are provided free of charge to the participants.

Kinzang Yeshi, who travelled from Trashigang to sell authentic Radhipa bura (silk) ghos and kiras, expressed optimism about increased sales this year.

“Last year, I sold more than half of the 50 ghos and kiras I brought. This year, I hope to sell out completely,” he said, adding that the prices of textiles range between Nu 20,000 and Nu 40,000, depending on the quality.

He expressed concern about the declining interest among the youth in learning the bura textile craft, which could threaten the tradition’s survival. “The craft of weaving bura textiles in Radhi is not as vibrant as it used to be,” he said. “It might totally disappear after my generation.”

Currently, 40 members in the village are involved in promoting bura textiles. 

Sonam Choden, representing Bhutan Blossoms, said that demand for Bhutan Blossoms’ products is commendable, as they also export to countries like Australia and Switzerland.

Bhutan Blossoms’ product range includes food products made from locally grown herbs, spices, teas, and edible flowers. “The fair is an opportunity for us to make our products more familiar to the public,” she said.

Entrepreneurs are hoping to make strong sales this time, driven by the influx of tourists and the festive atmosphere.

The event also featured a special celebration in honor of HRH the Gyalsem’s birth anniversary, including a birthday party for 108 children from Thimphu schools and cultural performances by local students.

MoICE Minister Namgyal Dorji attended the fair as the chief guest.

The microphone is working. The “mic check” sound is loud enough for the surrounding hills to echo and amplify it, alerting the capital’s residents that there is an event at the Changlimithang park.

Thimphu is in a festive mood. Pre-tshechu activities started as early as Thursday night heralding a long weekend. At the Tashichhodzong, after days of Sungchoed (prayers) inside, the mask dancers are out at the Tendrelthang. Thousands have gathered to witness the sacred dances with a wish to earn some merits.

Tshechu is an integral part of our culture and a much-awaited annual event. Although it is also popular among tourists the crowd is predominantly Bhutanese who come for the blessings as well to enjoy the break from work and the excitement of being a part of the event. For the rural folks, especially in western Bhutan, it is an indication of the beginning of a busy work cycle.

Farmers believe that the tshechu break is a time to rest, have fun and feast on delicacies before they start the busy harvest season.  It is also the time to pray to the protective deities to save their crops from natural disasters. Every year, retreating monsoon damages harvested paddy, the main food crop in the west.

Besides the sacredness and the fun festival, with a tinge of Bhutanese flavour, the way we celebrate our tshechu is changing. It is expanding, with celebrations unfolding over a couple of days. The mask dances  usually end in the evening at the Tendrelthang. Thereafter, another sort of tshechu happens in the city, sometimes into the wee hours of the morning.

After the mask dances, it is the unmasked dances at open air music festivals, dance parties, and the “melas” that attract the crowd, an inevitable part of the tshechus, dromches, and other religious festivals. During the day, many attend the festival as devotees and in the evenings, we become devotees  of a different kind. We cannot stop the change. In fact, the festivities in the evening, sometimes into late nights, add colour and fun to the festive mood.

However, not all agree with the changing trends. Even if they accept that youth could go out and enjoy dance and music the whole night, it should not be a public nuisance. Residents around Changlimithang, especially along the Chang and Norzin Lam, are complaining of the loud music and the wild crowd. Unfortunately, most of the guests visiting Bhutan around this time of the year reside in hotels that cannot keep out the late night Changlimithang craze.

The music shows and parties  coinciding with the tshechus and dromchoes are loud, environmentally damaging, unhealthy, unsafe, and organised without finesse even if they are popular.

While we cannot stop people from enjoying, especially during the festive period, we could organise our entertainment better. People are complaining of the noise and the disturbances, the garbage left behind and the public nuisance. Bhutanese love fun. However, given the trends that we have seen over the years, it is obvious that entertainment has to be properly organised.  It would be an irony for our guests to remember the Thimphu tshechu festival by the late night disturbances and not by the colourful gathering or the sacred mask dances.

Neten Dorji

Mongar—Residents living in the outskirts of Mongar town are grappling with waste management issues due to lack of waste collection facilities.

Left with no choice, many villagers often dump their waste near homes, shops, or along roadsides. Civil servants living in the outskirts often carry waste to dispose of in town.

This practice inadvertently leads to scattered trash by stray dogs, creating an eyesore and stench, raising hygiene concerns.

Tshering Wangmo, a 47-year-old resident of Redaza, located a few kilometres from Mongar town, said that people often resort to burning the waste in the field. “But many have stopped doing this because of health and environmental risks, which leads to piling of trash.”

The increase in waste from Mongar town has become overwhelming, straining both residents and the dzongkhag administration.

According to the data from ‘We Care, Solid Management’, a private waste management firm, Mongar town generates more than 28.5 metric tonnes of dry waste every month, all of which are dumped at the Konbar Landfill, about eight kilometres away from town.

The littering issue extends beyond residential areas. Locals report that degradable waste in plastic bags becomes unhygienic, emitting foul odors, while non-degradable waste like plastic bottles and glass litter highways.

This public littering has posed a major challenge for the Mongar Dzongkhag administration’s efforts to keep the surroundings and highways clean.

A health official expressed concern over the public’s attitude toward waste management. “Many residents, shopkeepers, and building owners only focus on keeping their immediate surroundings clean but neglect areas beyond,” he said.

“Waste management is a collective responsibility,” he added, stressing the need for long-term, collaborative efforts.

Residents living in the outskirts of town are now calling for solutions.

A local resident, Pema suggested establishing waste drop-off centres outside the town or arranging monthly waste collection by vehicles. “The waste, especially dry waste, piles up quickly and takes up a lot of space,” he said.

Private employee Tashi Dorji said that waste drop off centres would be particularly useful for office-goers and people from nearby villages. “We also need to promote waste reduction at the source to lessen the amount of trash ending up in landfills.”

The owner of ‘We Care Solid Management’, Tshueltrim Pelden, agrees with the concerns about the waste problem outside the town. “We plan to expand waste collection services to areas outside the town core at minimal charges,” he said.

He also stressed on the importance of waste segregation at source. “This would help extend the life of the landfill.”

His firm recovers 13 to 15 metric tonnes of waste from the landfill every month.

Mongar Dzongdag Lungten Jamtsho acknowledged the residents’ requests for waste drop-off centres. “While waste management in the town has improved, keeping the highways clean remains a challenge,” he said.

He said that the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations in the town will help reduce littering in the future.

All 15 gewogs in Mongar observe zero-waste hours to collect waste and manage waste.

Lhakpa Quendren

Samtse—Following the development of Local Area Plan (LAP) 1 for the core town, infrastructure development in the Gurung Basti section (LAP 2) has stalled due to budget constraints, despite the plan being approved in 2018.

Currently, most drainage systems and roads in LAP 1 are complete, with plans to develop trenches for water pipes and cable lines, as well as footpaths, additional drains, roads, and parking around buildings in the core town.

After residents raised concerns about the major infrastructure issues in town, Samtse municipal in-charge Tenzin Dakpa said that the designs and plans for infrastructure development were completed during the 12th Plan but could not be executed due to a lack of funds.

“We will prioritise infrastructure development in the core town during the first year of the current Plan,” he said. “We are working on it.”

However, the development of planned seating arrangements and parking lots will begin only after the completion of the ongoing Choeten construction in the town center, which residents say is progressing slowly.

“Until the Choeten construction is complete, we will maintain the road with granular sub-base or use JCB machines to level it,” he said, adding that the core town development is estimated to cost Nu 50 million.

With only Nu 160 million approved for the current financial year, the dzongkhag administration has proposed an additional Nu 100 million to the Ministry of Finance for the development of the core town and the vegetable market.

In the current financial year, Nu 100 million was allocated for the spillover activity of Tashichhoeling Hospital construction, Nu 14 million for water supply, and Nu 11 million for Small Development Projects (SDP). The remaining Nu 35 million was distributed across various sectors, with no funds left for town infrastructure development.

Regarding concerns about children’s safety with uncovered drains, he said parents should also take responsibility for advising and supervising their children. “While some drains are covered by footpaths, covering all drains would be costly and inconvenient for maintenance,” he added.

The dratshang’s construction material waste over the drains also caused blockages along the road towards the Hindu temple, leading to rainwater overflowing onto the roads.

The potholes will be repaired after the monsoon. The contractor has been notified, as the contract warranty lasts two years, according to the municipal in-charge. Hundreds of heavy vehicles transporting boulders also contribute to road deterioration near the border gate.

The Dzongkhag administration expects to address the drinking water shortage with the completion of the ongoing water supply construction and borewell system. The construction deadline has been extended to the end of this month after the contractor missed the initial deadline.

With a budget of Nu 12 million, a borewell system will be implemented to complement the existing water supply. A water table study will be conducted during the winter to obtain accurate readings, followed by the tendering of the contract.

The drinking water shortage began when the underground well pump in Dhamdum was washed away by a flash flood in September 2023. However, Tenzin Dakpa said that restoring the gallery is not feasible due to insufficient elevation for trapping water upstream.

Although this water source, which usually provides water during the winter, has been maintained to ensure a continued supply, challenges remain due to frequent damage to the eight-kilometer pipeline, which takes a few days to repair.

During the summer, residents rely on temporary water sources located about three kilometres from the treatment plant. “We have about four water sources, which dry up in the winter. Two of these sources have already dried up,” he added.

When asked about the neglected flower gardens in the town, Tenzin Dakpa said the areas were divided among the regional offices, including the dzongkhag administration, and are being monitored by the Dzongkhag environment and beautification team.

A shortage of human resources strains maintenance efforts, especially during summer, with only two grass cutters managing long footpaths and about 18 kilometres of road in the town.

Chencho Dema

Extreme weather is no longer a distant global headline—it’s hitting home in the fragile Himalayas. Bhutan has experienced an unprecedented surge in extreme weather events, with a record 10 incidents in just the last three years.

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) attributes this alarming spike to climate change, noting that erratic precipitation patterns and unpredictable low-pressure systems have made flash floods increasingly common.

The country’s vulnerability to the whims of nature has become more apparent than ever, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience in the region.

In the span of six years from 2019 to 2024, Bhutan has been battered by 52 extreme weather events, ranging from flash floods and heavy snowfall to erratic pre- and post-monsoon disturbances. These events have claimed lives, destroyed crops, and ravaged properties, leaving communities and ecosystems vulnerable. Extreme weather events, such as these, are characterised by unusually severe conditions, often short-lived but devastating in impact.

The numbers tell a worrying story: six events in 2019, rising to 10 in 2020, peaking at 12 in 2021, and continuing with seven each in 2022 and 2023. As of August 31, 2024, the country has already faced 10 extreme weather incidents, signaling a troubling trend linked to climate change.

This year, Bhutan has witnessed a series of destructive extreme weather events, most notably the flash floods in Bumthang on August 5, Dechencholing in Thimphu on August 10—where a 56-year-old man tragically lost his life—and Gangtey in Phobjikha on August 18. Several landslides and road blockages further compounded the damage. Additionally, a rare glacier lake outburst floods (GOLF) event struck on October 30 last year.

In 2023, heavy rainfall triggered numerous flash floods, but the most devastating was the Ongar flash flood in Lhuntse on July 20, which claimed 24 lives.

A decadal analysis shows a marked increase in extreme weather events in Bhutan, rising from just two in 1968 to 46 between 2010 and August 2021. While the NCHM reports that Bhutan typically sees three to four flash floods annually, determining a clear link between the rise in frequency or intensity of such events and recent years remains complex. Flash floods, historically driven by rainfall and glacier melt, have always been a persistent threat, though their impacts continue to grow in severity.

Geographically, Bhutan’s southern belt—including areas like Gelephu, Phuentsholing, and Samtse—bears the brunt of heavy rainfall and, consequently, experiences more frequent flash floods. Around 70 percent of the country’s total rainfall is concentrated in the monsoon months from June to September, making this period the peak season for flash floods.

Despite the rise in extreme weather events globally, Bhutan’s total rainfall for this year remains within the normal range. However, officials from the NCHM caution that the country can expect an increase in weather disturbances, particularly more frequent convective thunderstorms, as a result of climate change.

  Rising global temperatures have altered precipitation patterns and accelerated glacier melt. The Indian Monsoon, which is crucial for Bhutan’s weather and a primary source of water, has become increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. Variations in atmospheric circulation, driven by global warming, have affected the timing, duration, and intensity of monsoon rains, according to an official.

Currently, NCHM operates three Flood/GLOF Early Warning Systems EWS in major river basins where potentially dangerous glacial lakes  are located. These systems are installed in the Punatshangchhu basin (Phochhu and Mochhu), the Mangdechhu river basin, and the Chamkharchhu basin.

Designed to monitor and issue alerts for GLOFs downstream, these systems face significant challenges. While effective for flood monitoring and warning, their maintenance and operation are hindered by remoteness, technological changes affecting spare parts, and difficulties in accessing reliable communications.

Flash floods, which are common in mountain regions and often triggered by rainfall, are difficult to predict. Monitoring and installing EWS along small streams is challenging due to the extensive network of streams and the substantial investment required.

Thinley Namgay

In a growing trend, individuals without marriage certificates (MC) are sidestepping the courts, opting to finalise their divorces through legal firms or lawyers—often without the required court notarisation.

The Bar Council of Bhutan (BCB) and the Judiciary have advised against bypassing the courts in divorce proceedings.

In a public notification issued on September 11, the BCB highlighted the gravity of the issue, stressing, “It is essential that all legal procedures, especially in sensitive matters like divorce and settlements, are conducted in full compliance with the law.”

The BCB called on legal professionals to ensure their clients understand that divorce agreements signed at law firms are not legally final without proper court notarisation. They urged lawyers, paralegals, and law firms to guide clients through the correct legal procedures, warning that failure to do so could result in misunderstandings or misrepresentations.

The BCB further warned that non-compliance with legal procedures would lead to strict disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of licenses to practice law. However, the council clarified that settling divorce cases outside the courtroom is not illegal, stating, “Parties can mutually agree to settle divorce matters outside the courtroom, provided they adhere to all applicable legal standards.”

The BCB emphasised that if a divorce is settled outside the court, any divorce deed or settlement intended for official purposes must be notarised by the court. Despite issuing this public notification, the BCB declined to offer any additional comments on the matter.

One practicing lawyer explained that the BCB’s notification primarily concerns the official use of divorce deeds, particularly for purposes like international travel. “The BCB noticed that some lawyers are not adequately informing clients about the need for court notarisation, causing them to believe these documents are final,” the lawyer said.

The lawyer further clarified that while the law permits divorce settlements outside of court for couples with a valid  MC, there is no legal provision allowing the MC itself to be canceled outside of court. “In fact, no clear law exists regarding how an MC can be canceled, except for a provision in the Marriage Act related to yigthik,” she added, suggesting the BCB’s intent is to ensure lawyers provide accurate information and adhere to lawful conduct.

Another lawyer expressed confusion over the BCB’s position on notarisation, stating, “If there is no MC, legal firms have been paying fines on behalf of the couple and getting court approval to settle the divorce outside of court.”

The Judiciary clarified that courts would be unable to accept a divorce settlement if disputes arise from an agreement settled without an MC. They stressed that court notarisation is essential in many situations, particularly when child custody is involved. “For instance, if child custody is part of a divorce agreement, court notarisation is required to present it in other countries,” the Judiciary explained.

The Judiciary further urged lawyers and legal firms to fully understand the provisions of the 1980 Marriage Act of Bhutan, which allows couples without an MC to settle their divorce outside of court under certain conditions.

Key sections of the Marriage Act, such as Kha 9-1, Kha 9-2, Kha 9-3, Kha 6-16, and Kha 8-28, outline the procedures and fines related to marriages without an MC.

Section Kha 9-1 states that couples without an MC seeking a divorce must apply to the court in the prescribed form. Only after paying fines, as stipulated in the subsections, can property division and other settlements proceed.

Subsection Ka specifies that if a divorce occurs within three years of a marriage without an MC, both parties must pay a fine of Nu 200 to the court.

Subsection Kha increases the fine to Nu 400 for divorces occurring within seven years of such a marriage. Subsection Ga mandates a fine of Nu 600 for divorces that take place after more than seven years of marriage without an MC.

These provisions highlight the structured legal process for divorces in marriages lacking official certification, underscoring the importance of proper court involvement and adherence to legal standards.

KP Sharma

Samtse—Three or four decades ago, the dusty little town of Gola Bazaar, tucked in the quiet plains of Tashicholing, Samtse, was a vibrant market—teeming with traders from as far as Haa in the north and Indians from south of the border.

Cut to present: the town is a ghost of its former self, struggling to survive amid dwindling business and slow-paced development.

Its strategic location, serving as a gateway to the northern district of Haa and proximity to India, made the town a key marketplace—a trading hotspot for essential goods and a range of agricultural products including rice, cardamom, ginger, and mandarin citrus, among others.

Yet, over the years, the town quickly faded away into a cluster of grey old structures, silently languishing in a time warp.

In 2017, a fresh thrust to revive the old township brought hope and optimism to the residents of Gola Bazaar.

The Gola Bazaar town planning project was rolled out. Of the 76 plot owners, 52 were allocated land through kidu. And so, construction began.

Since then, many new buildings have mushroomed, competing with older structures that still dominate the townscape—a bitter-sweet memory of Gola Bazaar’s famed past.

A long-time businessman and resident, Shiva Raj Ghalley, who recently completed his building construction, finds himself in a rather tricky situation as business is slow.

“This is not the best of times for business,” he says. “Those days, easily 50 to 60 bags of rice moved towards Haa every day. Gola Bazaar was the main shopping destination for those traders.”

The opening of the bypass from Haa to Dorokha has diverted much of the town’s traditional customer base, severely impacting the business. “People from Haa were our main customers, but now, with the bypass, they no longer come here,” he says.

With people from Haa no longer descending to Gola Bazaar, the local population is too small to support the business ecosystem.

The shift in trading patterns and access to new markets have dealt a heavy blow to the town’s business, exacerbated by slow development of the township.

About 70 percent of plot owners have completed construction. The blacktopping of roads and development of parking spaces are scheduled to be completed this year.

The Gola town’s tshogpa, Namgay Dorji, says the deadline for the completion of the construction was 2022 but it got delayed due to the pandemic. “We are hoping the remaining construction will be completed within the next year or two,” he says.

Many plot owners have also deferred the construction due to the bleak business in Gola town.

Beyond unfinished infrastructures, there are other challenges.   

Shiva Raj Ghalley highlighted the difficulties of rising costs and poor-quality sand from local sources. “The quality of sand here is poor, and importing it from India is expensive,” he says.

Sabitri Gurung, a plot owner who is yet to build her house, says rising construction cost and lengthy loan approval process adds to the problem.

“My aunt processed her loan in March, and it has not been sanctioned yet,” she says. “These delays have discouraged many from starting new constructions.”

She believes that unless the government increases loan limits for construction, the future of Gola Bazaar remains uncertain.

The expansion of neighbouring Belbotey town has added to the  woes, drawing customers away from Gola Bazaar. Banks, police services, and other institutions have relocated to Belbotey.

Long-time business owners like Rudra Bdr Ghalley, who runs a hardware shop, have also witnessed a major drop in customers. “Over the years, business has dried up,” he says. 

Still, there is a cautious optimism among people, especially with the launch of the Gyalsung Academy and the new Tashicholing hospital.

“With the Gyalsung project and better road connectivity, we are positive that the town can rebound,” says Tshogpa Namgay Dorji.

Grocery shop owner Dilip Kumar Giri, though struggling after the pandemic, remains hopeful. “We have been here for a long time, and while business is slow, I am positive that good times are coming.”

However, he stressed the need for urban amenities like recreational facilities, parking space, streetlights, and public toilets to attract more people to the town.

While the initial town plan had included a children’s park, the funds were reallocated for construction of parking space. Streetlights were installed but dismantled for drainage construction.  Streetlights are expected to be reinstalled by the end of this financial year.

Fow now, residents and the business community of Gola Bazaar can only hope for things to change in their favour.

Yangyel Lhaden

In the packed city bus, a senior citizen steps in.

A little girl, probably six-years-old, sits in the priority seat—for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.

As she sees the elderly man, she quickly stands up, her small voice piping up: “Na zhu la, agay”, offering him the spot.

The old man looks around, and seeing there is no other seat for her, shakes his head, refusing to take the offer.

But the little girl insists, her brows furrowing with determination.

“Ahh, agay, please take the seat, I mean it!”

Finally, they strike a deal: the old man takes the priority seat, and the girl perches on his lap.

As the bus rattles along, they giggle and chat, sharing stories.

The little girl’s stop comes too soon. And she hops off, waving at the old man, before skipping down the road.

As the bus waits for more passengers, the old man watches her until she disappears from view, a soft, thoughtful smile lingering on his face.

It is a common sight, these small acts of kindness. Strangers meeting for a moment but sharing something bigger—connection.

In the city bus, younger ones rise to give their seats to the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.

No one asks, no one tells them to. They just do.

Life might be busy outside, but inside the bus, there is a pause.

The bus is a world of its own, a little ecosystem where the essence of being Bhutanese quietly blooms.

In the blur of the city, where people don’t even know the neighbour next door, something different happens here. Strangers sit shoulder to shoulder, sharing space, stories, glances. It is a fleeting connection, but it feels like home—where kindness still has its place.

For Yangchen, a regular commuter, the morning bus ride is her quiet escape. It is a slow, steady pause before the rush of the day. She listens to music, watches the world stop at each bus stop, and breathes. In those little moments, life slows down.

“I enjoy the bus,” she says. “It is peaceful, a brief pause before the chaos.”

On one of the bus rides, old friends meet after decades. They chat, make new plans, and change destinations.

At the stops, regular commuters become acquaintances and then friends, sharing conversation as the bus pulls away.

Tenzin Dolma, a regular on the city bus, can’t help but admire when a woman is behind the wheel. “They are so inspiring, so capable,” she says. “I was shocked the first time I saw a woman bus driver. And they drive so well.”

Every morning, she rides from Babesa to Norzin Lam, where she works at a private firm. “The city bus is not only cheap, it is convenient,” she adds. “One comes every ten minutes, like clockwork.”

There is always a bit of humour when the smart card beeps for the city bus fare.

One day, a woman swiped her card, only to hear the voice announce, “Nguel milang bay, lok chasho bay na mey”—insufficient balance, please recharge.

Her face flushed, and she laughed, “I wish that voice didn’t come—it is so embarrassing!”

The crowd chuckled along. She had no cash, but before she could worry, another passenger stepped up, offering to pay her fare with a smile.

And that little act of kindness is what makes city bus rides such a joy! 

Jigmi Wangdi

Bhutan’s initial success in tobacco control has faltered, with hard-won gains going down the drain.

The previous government’s decision to lift the ban on import and sale of tobacco products through the amendment of the Tobacco Control Act in July 2021, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a dramatic spike in tobacco imports over the years.

The amendment, aimed at curbing smuggling and reducing Covid-19 transmission risks, has inadvertently spurred a steep rise in tobacco use in the country. 

Figures speak for itself. From 2020 through June 2024, Bhutan imported 531 million cigarettes, with 511 million sourced from India and 19 million from other countries.

The import value soared to Nu 1.524 billion, with the highest import recorded in 2022 at Nu 1.4 billion. That year, tobacco products even ranked among the top ten imported commodities according to Bhutan Trade Statistics.

In the first half of 2024 alone, tobacco imports amounted to Nu 337 million. The second quarter (April, May, and June) of 2024 saw the highest import of cigarettes from countries other than India, worth Nu 14 million. This was a staggering 237.75 percent increase in cigarette imports from non-Indian sources compared to the total imports in the previous three years.

Rising public health concerns

The increased availability of tobacco products in the country has become a major public health concern. And instances of public and underage smoking are on the rise.

According to section three of the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Act 2021, smoking in commercial centres, recreation centres, institutions, public spaces and public transportation are prohibited.

Officials from the erstwhile Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency, now a part of the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) have reported difficulties in monitoring tobacco sales and use in public spaces. 

“We are currently reviewing regulations in light of recent changes in the Act and the influx of of novel tobacco and tobacco products in recent years,” a BFDA official said.

The current tobacco regulation 2016 does not cover the scope of novel and emerging tobacco and its products.

BFDA creates awareness on the ill effects of tobacco and tobacco products while implementing strict regulations on advertising and promotion of tobacco products, including bans on tobacco advertisements in media, sponsorships, and promotions.

The authority is collaborating with the Royal Bhutan Police on enforcement of the provisions under Tobacco Act. However, it is grappling with a shortage of human resources to implement and monitor the enforcement of the tobacco control regulations.

Inadequate laboratory and technological capacity also challenge BFDA in detecting counterfeit and spurious tobacco products.

Health risks

BFDA officials said that tobacco use is a significant risk factor for various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and several types of cancer.

“Smoking and tobacco use contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. These conditions reduce lung function and quality of life and can lead to premature death,” officials said.

Tobacco is also a leading cause of various cancers, mainly lung cancer, which has a high mortality rate. It also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, among others.

Tobacco use among youth is particularly concerning, given its addictive nature and association with long-term health problems. “Tobacco use during adolescence can impair lung growth and function and is associated with cognitive and behavioural issues, including attention deficits and lower academic performance,” the officials added.

Similarly, tobacco use during pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight. Non-smokers, particularly children, exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of respiratory infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other health issues.

The National Health Survey (NHS) 2023 highlighted that tobacco use is one of the most potent behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The NHS 2023 revealed that 29.8 percent of Bhutanese aged 15-69 are current tobacco users, with 14.2 percent smoking and 19.8 percent using smokeless tobacco products.

Around 17.65 percent of the population aged 15-69 years reported exposure to second-hand smoke at home while 52.53 percent reported exposure in workplaces.

Efforts and challenges

Speaking to Kuensel, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Representative to Bhutan, Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh expressed concerns over easy access to tobacco products, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes, among youth.

“To the eye, the newer tobacco products look harmless and adolescents and the youth become the targets of this industry. Parents and teachers might not be aware that their children are indulging in these products and so we have to create awareness,” Dr Bhupinder said.

She highlighted that tobacco does not have a safety limit, stating that the main age of initiation in tobacco use is 19 years among the youth. “Research shows that those who start to smoke early develop addiction at a young age which carries on till adulthood,” Dr Bhupinder said.

She added that 70 percent of the burden of death in Bhutan is caused by NCDs, and tobacco is a major risk factor contributing to this. “Every year 400 people lose their lives to tobacco. This is 10 percent of the total deaths, and it costs Nu 1.2 billion every year.”

She emphasised that prevention is more effective than treatment and highlighted the significant financial burden that tobacco-related diseases place on the healthcare system.

“As the youth of Bhutan are the change agents for the future, we have to make sure that this form of advocacy is carried out in schools and ensure that they become aware of the harmful effects of tobacco,” Dr Bhupinder said.

The WHO is collaborating with government agencies to develop a Multi-Sectoral Action Plan aimed at curbing tobacco use through prevention and advocacy.

Health ministry stated that high treatment costs for tobacco-related diseases imposes a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. “Healthcare resources are limited, and the cost of treating chronic conditions caused by tobacco use strains public health services,” a health official said. 

Spiritual concerns

The Zhung Dratshang, the central monastic body, is concerned over tobacco use in the country. A representative of Zhung Dratshang said that consumption of tobacco products goes against Buddhist teachings and beliefs.

“It is deeply concerning, and saddening, to see many youth and young people smoking in public places. This is very regrettable,” the representative said.

The central monastic body does not advocate openly on the use of tobacco use as it is currently legal to use tobacco products, he said. “However, we are concerned about the impact of tobacco use on spiritual values and health of the people.”

༉ སྙིང་རུས་ཅན་གྱི་སྤྱི་གཡོགཔ་དང་ སྲོད་དོན་འགོ་ཁྲིདཔ་ཨིན་མི་ བློན་པོ་ཡེ་ཤེས་སྦྱིན་པ་དེ་ ཡུན་རིངམོ་སྦེ་ སྙུང་གཞི་ཐེབས་པའི་ཤུལ་ལས་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༢༤ ཟླ་༩ པའི་ཚེས་༩ ལུ་ གཤགས་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
སྤྱི་ལོ་༡༩༥༢ ལུ་སྐྱེས་མི་ བློན་པོ་ཡེ་ཤེས་སྦྱིན་པ་གིས་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༠༠ལས་༢༠༠༡ ཚུན་དང་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༠༤ ལས་༥ ཚུན་ འབྲུག་གི་བློན་ཆེན་ཐེངས་༢ འབད་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
དེ་མ་ཚད་ ཁོ་གིས་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༡༩༩༨ ལས་༢༠༠༣ ཚུན་ དངུལ་རྩིས་བློན་པོ་དང་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༠༧ གྱི་ལོ་ཕྱེད་ཚུན་ བསྟན་རྒྱས་བློན་པོ་སྦེ་ ཕྱག་ཞུ་ཡོདཔ་ཨིན་པས།
དམངས་གཙོའི་བཙག་འཐུ་ འགོ་དང་པའི་ཤུལ་ལས་ ཁོ་གིས་ སྤྱི་ལོ་༢༠༠༨ ལས་༡༠༡༣ ཚུན་ ཞབས་ཏོག་བློན་པོ་སྦེ་ ཕྱག་ཞུ་ཡོད་པའི་གནས་ཚུལ།

Dechen Dolkar

The second phase of small hydropower project development in the country, with a total estimated budget of Nu 20 billion, is set to commence by October this year.

The second phase includes the construction of five small hydropower projects—90MW Jomori, 54MW Gamri, 26MW Druk Bindu I & II, and 25MW Begana hydropower projects.

The construction of access roads for the Jomori and Druk Bindu I & II projects has already begun, ensuring contractors can reach key project components once civil works packages are awarded.

While access roads are essential for Jomori and Druk Bindu I & II, there is no need for major new road construction for the Gamri-I and Begana projects, as existing roads are already available near these sites.

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has issued tenders for the civil works associated with the Jomori, Gamri-I, and Druk Bindu I & II projects.

Druk Hydro Energy Ltd (DHyE), a subsidiary of DGPC, is overseeing the implementation of these projects.

An official from DHyE indicated that the evaluation of these contract packages is underway, with awards expected by October 2024. For the Begana project, final clearances from stakeholders are anticipated soon, which will be followed by bidding for the civil works package.

“Once the civil works contracts are in place, we will proceed with bids for the electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical components,” the official added.

The Jomori project’s road construction has been awarded to two contractors, while a single contractor will manage the Druk Bindu I & II roads.

The main civil works contracts are still pending. The selection of the contractor will be made once bid evaluations are complete.

In the first phase of the projects, contractors with experience in hydropower and related works were shortlisted and awarded contracts through a competitive bidding process.

The official said that for the second phase, given the increased capacity and complexity of the larger projects, some hydropower construction experience is required.

However, for the smaller projects, the requirements are focused on general civil works experience, without the need for prior hydropower construction expertise.

“This opens the field for more contractors to become eligible for future hydropower projects by building their capacities,” the DHyE official said.

Although these projects are labelled ‘small’ with the largest at 90MW, they are significant for Bhutan’s energy sector, added the official. 

The civil works packages are only open to domestic contractors. This is mainly to build the capacity of domestic contractors for large-scale projects in the future.

Efforts are also underway to strengthen domestic capacity in designing, manufacturing, erecting, and commissioning hydro-mechanical equipment.

When asked about measures to ensure the projects remain on schedule, the DHyE official said that while the installed capacities are relatively small, the Detailed Project Reports are comprehensive to minimise unforeseen challenges during construction.

“Realistic timelines have been set for the construction of each project, and management teams on-site are encouraged to make timely decisions, supported by a full team overseeing the projects,” the official said.

For small hydropower and solar projects, the government has almost secured financing from commercial loans from Indian banks, the European Investment Bank, OPEC Fund, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Asian Development Bank, among others.

In the 13th Plan, the government will initiate 10 large hydropower projects, which include 404 MW Nyera Amari, 600 MW Kholongchhu, 1,125 MW Dorjilung, 180 MW Bunakha, 900 MW Wangchhu, 363 MW Khomachhu, 170 MW Dangchhu, 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I, 2,585 MW/4,060 MW Sankosh, and 2,800 MW Kuri-Gongri.

Old taxi rates are cheaper by a few ngultrums

Sherab Lhamo

The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) recently updated the taxi fare structure in the country, but taxi drivers are not charging the new fares because of its potential impact on passengers.

As per the BCTA regulation, the fare is set at Nu 25.81 per kilometre (km) for a five-seater taxi. For a shared ride among four passengers, this translates to Nu 6.45 per person. However, if an individual books the entire taxi, they pay the full fare of Nu 25.81 per km.

The coordinator of taxis in Thimphu, Thinley Dorji, raised concerns about the implementation of these revised rates as it increases the fares for passengers.

He said that while the official fare for a trip from City Bus Parking to Babesa is Nu 58.07 per passenger, taxis are currently charging only Nu 50.

The 9km trip from City Bus Parking to Babesa from upper road would cost Nu 232.29 at the new rates, which divides to Nu 58.07 per passenger if the taxi is shared among four people.

The taxi coordinator said that if taxi drivers were to follow the BCTA rates, they would likely see a decrease in passengers due to the higher fares. “The revised rates would place a financial burden on passengers, which is why they have not been implemented.”

A regular taxi commuter said she pays Nu 400 from Khuruthang to Thimphu shared by three other passengers.  According to revised BCTA rates, the fare should be Nu 419 per person.

A BCTA official clarified that fare revisions are based on the taxi fare computational model that includes various factors such as annual recurring expenses, registration and renewal, insurance premium, fitness test, driver’s salaries, and overall operational costs.

The rates are reviewed twice a year.

Bhutan currently has 6,325 taxis, with Thimphu alone accounting for 4,199.

Phuntsholing has 1,165 taxis followed by Gelephu with 641, Samdrup Jongkhar with 119 and Mongar with 201.

The BCTA received 30 complaints about high fares last year, all of which have been resolved.

To lodge complaints, individuals need to provide their trip details, including the taxi number and driver’s name through email or at the nearest BCTA Base Office.

Although there is no difference in night and day charges for taxi and bus fares, taxi drivers often charge more at night.

Taxi Coordinator Thinely Dorji said that taxi drivers charge extra at night as there are less chances of getting passengers at night compared to day and for safety concerns.  “There have been cases in the past where passengers fought with drivers, with some refusing to even pay the fare.”

BCTA has trained 360 officials, including traffic police, and 1,417 taxi drivers and other vehicle drivers on BCTA regulation since February to June 2024.

BCTA also announced that public bus commuters are allowed to carry 20 kg of their luggage. “Weighing machines are available at bus stations across the country,” the BCTA official said.

YK Poudel

How about paying parking fee with trash instead of cash? Sounds a little bizarre but possible.

Phuentsholing Thromde is experimenting with a unique payment method— trash instead of cash for parking fees.

The founder of Druk Trash Solution, Jamtsho Drukpa, has implemented this novel approach across 85 parking areas in Phuentsholing, where he accepts garbage as payment for parking.

He shared about this innovative circular economy initiative at the ‘Sense-Making Policy Dialogues’ on September 9, in Thimphu.

Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) hosted this first of the three-series dialogue on September 9 in Thimphu after the conclusion of the ‘Plastics: Waste and Resource Expo and Hackathon’.

Jamtsho Drukpa said that the parking fee is Nu 20 for 30 minutes and in its place, they accept a kilogramme (kg) of plastic waste.

Druk Trash Solution collects close to 40kg of plastic daily. “We are planning to go all out with this system in the entire thromde premise in Phuentsholing,” Jamtsho Drukpa said.

Plastic waste will be shredded to produce tar which will be used for road maintenance within Phuentsholing Thromde while HDPE plastics will be modeled into poles, flower pots, and bricks.

“Druk Trash Solutions has committed that by mid-2025, the landfill at Pekershing will be zero-plastic landfill,” he said.

A total of 15 waste workers across Bhutan attended the dialogue, discussing a range of issues related to waste management, including challenges, policy reforms, and the way forward. 

Jamtsho Drukpa highlighted the need for the government to support firms and individuals involved in promoting the circular economy.

One of the members of the SheCycle group, Dechen Wangmo, said that people are often aggressive towards the waste workers. “A behavioural change is required to ensure that the workers feel secure and motivated.”

“In many areas, spiritual leaders are leading waste management campaigns,” she said. “This has proved effective, because from a religious perspective, littering in sacred areas are considered sin.”

The programme director of Samdrupjongkhar Initiative, Cheku Dorji,  said that certain policy intervention is required to introduce an integrated approach to waste management. “A wider approach involving civil society organisations, local government, spiritual leaders and government agencies should work with a common and integrated approach,” he said.

One of the organisers, Phub Dorji,  said that the primary goal of the dialogue was to translate the learnings into actionable waste management policies that will help shape Bhutan’s future approach to tackling plastic pollution.

“We hope to advance our shared mission of achieving a plastic-free environment in Bhutan by fostering stronger collaborations across sectors,” he said. “Two more sense-making workshops are planned for October.”

The project is a part of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) initiative implemented by South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, supported by the UNOPS and the World Bank.

Recent revelations of embezzlement at our iconic heritage sites have shaken the trust in one of the country’s most vital sectors—tourism. In a probe initiated in June and July, a shocking case of fraud involving 37 police officials, 377 tour guides and drivers, and five counter officials has come to light. These individuals, entrusted with protecting and promoting Bhutan’s cultural treasures, have been found guilty of siphoning monument fees at renowned locations such as Paro Taktshang and Punakha Dzong. The incident has been forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), but the damage inflicted on the tourism sector demands more than a mere investigation—it requires decisive action.

The embezzlement of over Nu 4 million since September 2022 by this network of individuals is not just a criminal act; it is a breach of national trust and pride. Thirty-three police from Paro, who have already been terminated without benefits, were found guilty of bribery and misappropriation of entry fees. While this action is a step in the right direction, the question remains: How did such a large-scale operation escape oversight for so long? The involvement of 377 tour guides and drivers, as well as several counter officials, suggests a systemic failure in the monitoring and regulation of monument fee collection at our most visited sites.

For a country that prides itself on its cultural and natural heritage, such acts of fraud severely tarnish Bhutan’s image. Our tourism sector, already fragile due to the global pandemic and other challenges, cannot afford such blows to its reputation. The “high-value, low-volume” tourism policy, which emphasises the unique and exclusive nature of the Bhutanese experience, relies on the integrity of those who operate within the sector. When those in positions of trust exploit their roles for personal gain, it jeopardises not only our financial resources but also our standing as a nation committed to transparency and ethical governance.

Moreover, this scandal comes at a critical juncture when Bhutan is actively working to reinvigorate its tourism industry. As we seek to attract more tourists under the new tourism policies, such egregious acts of corruption act as a deterrent. Who would want to visit a country where even the sacred experience of visiting its heritage sites is tainted by greed? This incident is a stark reminder that unless corruption is eradicated from the core of our systems, our long-term goals of tourism expansion and economic growth will remain unattainable.

We must commend the efforts of the ACC and other authorities for bringing this case to light. But now, more than ever, we need to see sustained reforms to prevent such incidents from occurring again. Stricter surveillance measures, better accountability mechanisms, and a transparent system for managing and auditing monument fees must be swiftly put in place.

Bhutan has long been admired for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, a philosophy that prioritises the well-being and integrity of its people over mere material wealth. Yet, incidents like these expose the vulnerabilities that exist in our systems. For the sake of our nation’s future, we must address these weaknesses head-on, ensuring that the actions of a few do not undermine the progress and reputation of the whole country.

In the end, it is not just the money lost that we should be concerned about, but the trust that has been broken. This breach of trust must be mended with swift, firm, and transparent action. Our heritage, our economy, and our nation’s credibility depend on it.