The Department of Environment and Climate Change (erstwhile NECS) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in collaboration with Thimphu Thromde and Dzongkhag Administration, Bhutan Red Cross Society, Taxi Association of Bhutan, Desuung Office, Guide Association of Bhutan and Tourism Council of Bhutan marked the first ever International Zero Waste Day with a cleaning campaign in the Thimphu Throm today.

1^st Coordination meeting of Environment Officers parented by DECC, on 15th March 2023

The Department of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources coordinated its 1^stCoordination meeting of the Environment Officers. The coordination meetings will be conducted regularly to ensure a unified approach to environment protection across the country, efficient environmental service delivery, effective waste management & observation of Zero-waste, development of capabilities and competencies of the EOs and resolve coordination issues.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change, Secretariat for National Environment Commission is saddened to note the loss of four precious lives to Chang Debsi fire that started at around 11 AM, 22 February 2023. A man in his thirties died after he slipped into gully that was raging with fire, while trying to stop the fire from reaching the house he stays. The other three deceased of the fire were loggers working for the local contractor engaged by Natural Resources Development Corporation. (Source: BBS) Our prayers are with the departed soul and families of the deceased.

Aum Tashi Pem, joins the Department of Environment Climate Change, Secretariat to the National Environment Commission, MoENR, as the new Director General on 11 February 2023.

The Department of Water (DoW), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources conducted the 7th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the project ‘Study on Minimum Environmental (E) Flow for Hydropower Projects in Bhutan – Phase II’ on January 25, 2023.  

The Water Resources Coordination Division of National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) conducted the focused workshop with the faculties of the College of Natural Resources (CNR) and College of Science and Technology (CST) as part of the project ‘Study on Minimum Environmental (E) Flow for Hydropower Projects in Bhutan- Final Phase’ from December 27-29, 2022 in Punakha. 

Zero Waste Bhutan APP was officially launched on December 13, 2022 and will be effective from tomorrow (December 15, 2022) for nationwide implementation. ZW Bhutan APP is primarily for enforcement of waste-related offences. Every individual including general public can register and take up community policing role in addressing the ever-increasing waste problems and at the same time earn 30% of the penalty amount as incentive for authentic offence reporting. The app also has a platform to disseminate information, penalty payment interface and information on waste-related facilities & services.

Bhutan is lead country for BIMSTEC joint working group on environment and climate change. In this regard, the National Environment Commission Secretariat is hosting the first meeting of the joint working group (virtually) on 6th December 2022 9am onwards.

The revised Waste Offense & Fine Schedule including Incentives & Rewards for offense reporting will come into effect from 15 December 2022.