The polluted river: an eye-sore

... The priorities are clear and it is very welcome that the pathetic state of our drains that connects to the river is a priority.

From how our drainage system is built and maintained, we will never be able to manage a few hours of heavy rains. 

If we have built some, they are blocked with garbage carelessly thrown in it. In fact, open drains are the favourite dump yard for the city's residents. Moreover, the drains flow down to the river polluting the pristine water. 

The approach to urban governance needs to change.

Wastewater treatment plants are constructed with effect and it is said that 12 million litres a day is treated once the water reaches the treatment area at Langjophaka and one at Babesa where the treatment plants are based. 

The treatment plant has not been able to lower the total suspended solid (TSS) or particles and debris floating on the surface of the sewage to the permissible threshold (Kuensel, 2022.)

What about the river, and the aquatic life in between? Cannot we have a better system in place to ensure that dirty drains do not flow into the river? 

The priorities are clear and it is very welcome that the pathetic state of our drains is a priority. We need better gutters, well-maintained, and efficient treatment, not lip service on clean Bhutan.