A deep-seated issue that remains shrouded in silence is mental health. As the world grapples with the complexities of psychological well-being, many in Bhutan, too, find themselves at a crossroads, where understanding and stigma intersect in the narratives of the people. Tshering Yangzom, a resident of Tsirang, reflects on her …
Read More »Massive Hailstone damage to Tsirang’s chillies, vegetables and fruits
To the astonishment of many across the nation, a heavy hailstone on 10 April in Tsirang made news, but , the farmers in Tsirang wept in dismay due to the agricultural loss of their produce to the hailstone. Beda Moni Chamlagai, Kilkhortang Gup, said, “Every crop and vegetable is damaged, …
Read More »Trongsa 1 Monkey 0 in the fight against the monkey menace
Trongsa Thromde, has long grappled with a persistent challenge – the troubling presence of raiding macaques. However, recent collaborative efforts headed by dzongkhag officials have indicated a turning point in the town’s ongoing battle against the monkey menace. As residents breathe a collective sigh of relief, the journey towards reclaiming …
Read More »Growing forest fires impacting ecology and potential sustainable revenue generation
Reports from the Department of Forest and Park Services show that there is an increasing incidence of forest fires in the country, with 2023 marking the highest number of incidents in the past decade, totaling 83 occurrences. In response, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) is implementing a …
Read More »Bhutan and India sign Energy Efficiency Partnership to squeeze more out of that light bulb
In a move aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation in energy efficiency, Bhutan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 22, 2024, to collaborate on various initiatives geared towards enhancing energy conservation measures. The MoU, signed between the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under India’s Ministry of Power and …
Read More »Agriculture’s Nu 50 bn aim and how it plans to get there
During the second session of the Meet-the-Press held on Friday, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Younten Phuntsho, unveiled the ministry’s vision contribution to help transform the nation into a USD 5 billion economy by 2029. MoAL has made a resolute commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector and elevating …
Read More »Bhutan’s National Digital Identity struggles with judicial acceptance of digital documents
In a bid to revolutionize Bhutan’s digital landscape, the National Digital Identity (NDI) system was launched on October 2023, promising to empower citizens with control over their personal data and streamline bureaucratic processes. However, recent challenges have emerged, particularly concerning the Judiciary’s reluctance to accept digital documents in legal proceedings. …
Read More »Bhutan and ICIMOD join forces to protect environment and improve lives
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have formalized a long-term collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU, signed on 5 March in Thimphu, signifies a strategic alliance between the two entities, poised to usher …
Read More »Plans to address the issue of human-wildlife conflict across the country
Due to the Human-wildlife conflict threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity in Bhutan, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) followed by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) has unveiled strategies as part of its 13th Five-Year Plan to tackle the issue. With nearly 60 percent of the population directly …
Read More »MoENR studying measures to strengthen the early warning system and explore alternate sources of energy and commercialization
Bhutan has 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGL), and as the specter of climate change continues to loom large, the risk associated with it increases. In order to increase the accuracy and preparedness of the country, NCHM has proposed an advanced early warning system, and understanding its importance, the Ministry …
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The Bhutanese Leading the way.