Opinions

Discussing a number of lessons learnt, these series of articles argue for a holistic approach to disaster preparedness and recovery, mainly focusing on the significance of livelihoods recovery. The authors also highlight the importance of cooperation and coordination among countries in the Himalayan region to improve understanding of seismic risks and prepare for earthquakes and their impacts. 

Mosquitos spread life-threatening diseases. Control them now.

Mosquitos are a pest with no equal. Though not all mosquitos transmit life-threatening diseases, those that do kill approximately 725,000 people worldwide every year.

We are familiar with the above cliché but not many live by it. The havoc caused by the incessant rains across the country from July 22 and lasting a few days was a living example for all citizens to witness.

Without a doubt the gewogs merit utility vehicles aimed to unleash latent potential improving effective and timely delivery of public services at the local levels. But only after a thorough need assessment owing to affordability and net gains.

When education was being initiated and expanded across the country in the early years of our planned economic development, many schools across the country were identified as central schools.

The government’s decision on distributing utility vehicles to the 205 gewogs is indeed a good idea generating quite an extraordinary ‘feat’, but at what cost? By supporting the gewogs with essential mobility should equip them to be more capable of delivering better and timely services to the people.

In the light of high pesticide concentrations in some imported vegetables, the issue is becoming a growing concern in the country, much more than the issue of food security.

The sacred national treasure, Tashigomang is largely indigenous to Bhutan. It stands out as one of the symbols of the country’s national heritage. The three dimensional miniature portable temples represent the genius of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

It is important that we find new ways of consuming and producing that is sustainable.

An excerpt from my presentation in the International Conference on Tradition and Innovation in Vajrayāna Buddhism. A Mandala of 21st Century Perspective held from June 30-July 3, 2016. 

Buddhism continues to spread throughout the world, but not all practitioners comprehend the paradoxical perspectives, meditational practices, and enlightened activities central to the Vajrayāna tradition. Without proper instruction, it is possible to misunderstand Vajrayānaas counter to the Buddha’s teaching.

Last month, the Department of Hydro-Met Services (DHMS) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) co-hosted a public seminar in Thimphu on the project for capacity development of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and rainstorm flood forecasting and early warning.

The minimum 60 percent forest cover was first mentioned in the National Forest Policy 1974. It states: In consideration of the geo-physical conditions of Bhutan and the necessity of maintaining soil and climatic equilibrium, the objective will be to maintain a minimum of 60 percent of the total land under forests.

I write this with a sense of chronic pessimism. That’s because the open letter I wrote to the then home minister two years ago for a commonsensical archery regulation to make the national sport safe remains ignored.