City Environment Division

Overview

The City Environment Division (CiED) of Thimphu Thromde is dedicated to promoting a clean, green, and sustainable urban environment in Thimphu. CiED oversees comprehensive environmental management, including waste management, landfill and compost operations, urban greening, landscaping, beautification of public spaces, climate change, pollution control, environmental compliance, and public awareness on sustainable environmental practices. Through strategic planning, enforcement of environmental regulations, and active community engagement, CiED plays a pivotal role in maintaining the city’s ecological health, enhancing livability, and supporting Thimphu Thromde’s vision of a a safe, clean, green and environmentally resilient urban environment.

core Mandates of cied

The City Environment Division (CiED) ensures Thimphu remains clean, green, and climate-resilient by managing municipal waste, landfills, composting, pollution control, and urban greening, including parks, gardens, and open spaces. It enforces environmental and forestry regulations, regulates construction waste, manages stray animals and crematorium services, and monitors public compliance through smart surveillance and field inspections. Through community engagement, training, and nature-based solutions, CiED promotes sustainable practices, safeguards critical environmental areas, and supports the Thromde administration in creating creating a livable, resilient, and ecologically healthy capital

mandates of Chief Environment Officer

  1. Plan, coordinate, and implement municipal waste management initiatives to maintain cleanliness and environmental quality in Thimphu.
  2. Oversee the development, maintenance, and beautification of recreational parks, micro-gardens, and open public spaces.
  3. Provide essential environmental services and technical guidance to support sustainable urban management.
  4. Review and issue Environmental Clearances for development projects and business entities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  5. Conduct regular monitoring and inspections to enforce adherence to the terms and conditions of Environmental Clearances.
  6. Liaise and collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector to promote a clean and green city.
  7. Advise the Thromde administration on environmental policies, strategies, and best practices to support sustainable urban development.

Responsibility of deputy Chief Forestry Officer

  1. Lead beautification and aesthetics initiatives through planning, design, creation, and maintenance of urban parks, gardens, open spaces, and micro-gardens.
  2. Oversee the Thromde Nursery, including propagation of plants and support for urban greening and plantation programs.
  3. Liaise and collaborate with ministries, departments, CSOs, NGOs, and private stakeholders on urban forestry, landscaping, and environmental projects.
  4. Promote public awareness and community engagement in urban greening, tree planting, and environmental stewardship activities.
  5. Manage stray animals in the city through impoundment, re-homing, and enforcement of relevant regulations.
  6. Provide technical guidance on landscaping, horticulture, and urban forestry, and support Thromde policies, strategies, and plans for sustainable green infrastructure.
  7. Monitor and maintain the ecological health of city vegetation, ensure compliance with forestry regulations, and maintain proper records and reporting.

Mandates of the Environment Officer (Solid Waste Management)

  1. Oversee solid waste management, including monitoring collection routes, bins, dumpsters, transfer stations, and recycling facilities to ensure timely, efficient, and compliant operations.
  2. Manage landfill operations through regular inspections, monitoring disposal practices, and coordinating with operators to maintain infrastructure, minimize nuisances, and comply with environmental standards.
  3. Supervise outsourced waste service providers by inspecting sites, ensuring contractual compliance, and enforcing corrective measures to maintain sanitation and service quality.
  4. Monitor and regulate waste collection, cleaning, and drainage systems to prevent illegal dumping, environmental contamination, and blockages, while coordinating timely maintenance.
  5. Investigate complaints, enforce waste management regulations, and take corrective action to address violations and community concerns.
  6. Promote public awareness and engagement in waste segregation, recycling, composting, and safe disposal practices in collaboration with stakeholders.

Mandates of the Environment Officer (Environmental Services)

  1. Review development proposals, conduct environmental impact assessments, and issue environmental clearances in compliance with national and municipal regulations.
  2. Monitor and regulate street hawker activities to ensure compliance with licensing, hygiene, zoning, and waste management standards, while addressing complaints and disputes.
  3. Oversee operation and maintenance of crematorium facilities, ensuring health, safety, and environmental compliance in coordination with service providers and families.
  4. Regulate soil dumping from construction sites by inspecting disposal areas, enforcing erosion and sedimentation control measures, investigating illegal dumping, and guiding contractors on proper disposal practices.
  5. Conduct regular environmental monitoring and inspections of public spaces, businesses, and facilities to ensure adherence to environmental standards and waste prevention rules.
  6. Provide technical backstopping, awareness, and training programs to promote sustainable environmental practices among residents, institutions, and businesses.
  7. Liaise with government agencies, CSOs, NGOs, and private stakeholders to coordinate environmental initiatives, strengthen service delivery, and support policy implementation.

Mandates of the Forest Ranger (Beautification & Landscaping)

  1. Initiate, support, and assist in plantation, urban greening, and beautification programs, including landscaping of public spaces.
  2. Review and issue Forestry Clearances for development projects, ensuring compliance with forestry and environmental regulations.
  3. Oversee the removal of trees from state and privately registered lands in line with approved procedures.
  4. Manage and operate the Thromde Nursery, including propagation of plants to support urban greening initiatives.
  5. Monitor and maintain the ecological health of city vegetation and enforce compliance with urban forestry and environmental regulations.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Beautification & Landscaping)

  1. Conduct regular field inspections of parks, gardens, micro-gardens, and landscaped areas to ensure proper creation, maintenance, safety, and adherence to Thromde standards.
  2. Supervise daily landscaping and horticulture activities carried out by Thromde staff, contractors, and outsourced laborers, ensuring quality and timely completion.
  3. Monitor and safeguard trees, plants, and green spaces from encroachment, damage, or misuse, and take corrective or enforcement actions as required.
  4. Oversee the supply, storage, and proper use of horticultural materials, tools, and equipment in the field, including propagation and raising of plants at the Thromde Central Nursery.
  5. Provide on-site technical guidance to staff and contractors on planting, pruning, watering, pest management, and other landscaping practices.
  6. Support community engagement initiatives by assisting with creation and maintenance of micro-gardens, tree planting, and urban greening programs on the ground.
  7. Maintain field records of inspections, creation and maintenance activities, plant health, nursery operations, labor deployment, and community involvement for reporting and accountability.

Mandates of Sanitary Inspectors (Solid Waste Management)

  1. Conduct regular inspections of waste collection sites, drainage systems, and Drop-Off Centers (weekly) to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and environmental standards.
  2. Monitor solid waste service providers, including monthly inspection of vehicles, and ensure timely collection and disposal of wastes as per the frequency set in the Standard Bidding Document.
  3. Oversee, direct, and supervise daily labour deployment in coordination with Lajabs (Labour Supervisors) to maintain efficient waste and drainage cleaning operations.
  4. Inspect, report, and issue internal memos to relevant divisions (Operations & Maintenance, Infrastructure) for immediate rectification, planning, and budgeting of sanitation and drainage issues.
  5. Liaise with Building Inspectors to monitor construction sites, enforce compliance, and prevent roadside dumping, drain blockages, and diversion of drainage channels.
  6. Monitor proper disposal of construction wastes, investigate complaints, and enforce regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
  7. Advocate for good sanitation practices, promote awareness, and support community compliance through surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement actions.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Landfill Management)

  1. Conduct regular inspections of landfill sites to ensure compliance with waste management regulations, and environmental standards.
  2. Monitor waste disposal practices, including bulk waste approvals, to prevent illegal dumping, ensure proper segregation, and levy applicable charges as per regulations.
  3. Inspect landfill infrastructure, including leachate collection systems and machinery, to identify damage, malfunctions, or maintenance needs, and ensure operational efficiency.
  4. Coordinate with landfill operators to optimize waste compaction, maintain all-weather access roads, minimize odor and pest nuisances, and implement methane gas reduction measures.
  5. Provide advocacy, training, and ensure proper OHS practices for waste handlers.
  6. Investigate complaints related to landfill operations and take enforcement actions to address violations or environmental concerns.
  7. Maintain accurate records of inspections, operational activities, waste disposal, bulk waste approvals, complaints, enforcement actions, and workforce deployment for accountability and reporting.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Takakura Compost Plant)

  1. Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Takakura compost plant to ensure efficient processing of organic waste into compost, in line with environmental regulations.
  2. Monitor segregation at source, collection, and delivery of organic waste to the compost plant, ensuring proper handling and adherence to waste management standards.
  3. Inspect plant infrastructure, machinery, and equipment regularly to identify maintenance needs, operational issues, or safety hazards.
  4. Provide training, guidance, and supervision to plant staff and waste handlers on safe and effective composting practices.
  5. Conduct periodic quality checks on compost produced, ensuring compliance with standards for agricultural or landscaping use, and liaise with the Department of Agriculture (DoA), National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA), National Soil Services Centre (NSSC), and Outsourced Operators.
  6. Investigate complaints or operational issues related to the compost plant and take corrective or enforcement actions as necessary.
  7. Maintain accurate records of operations, waste inputs, compost production/supplies, maintenance activities, staff training, and compliance reporting for accountability and monitoring purposes.

Mandates of Sanitary Inspector (Soil Dumping of Construction and Demolished Wastes)

  1. Monitor construction and demolition sites to prevent unauthorized dumping of soil, debris, and construction waste on public or private property, in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  2. Review and process Soil Disposal Request Forms, issue disposal permits specifying authorized sites, maximum quantity, truckload-based charges, and ensure compliance with SOPs.
  3. Inspect designated soil disposal areas to ensure adherence to erosion, sedimentation, and environmental regulations.
  4. Investigate reports of illegal dumping, document evidence, and identify responsible parties for enforcement actions.
  5. Coordinate with contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies to enforce proper soil disposal practices and mitigate environmental impacts.
  6. Provide technical guidance to stakeholders on safe soil disposal methods and alternative options for construction and demolished waste.
  7. Conduct regular site inspections, monitor compliance with permits, and report violations or non-compliance for corrective actions.

STAFF

Meet the dedicated staffs and officials of Thimphu Thromde, working tirelessly to shape our city’s future.

Sonam Wangchuk

Chief Environment Officer

Sangay Choden

Asst. Environment Officer

Sushma Rai

Sr. Technician

Tshering Dorji

Forest Ranger

Rinzin Om

Sanitary Inspector

Samten Choden

Sanitary Inspector

Tashi Tshering

Sanitary Inspector

Sonam Tshewang

Sanitary Inspector

Ugyen Penjor

Sanitary Inspector

Singye Dorji

Sanitary Inspector

Nima Gyeltshen

sanitary Inspector

Tandin Zangmo

Sanitary Inspector

Ugyen Yangzom

Sanitary Inspector

Gyan Kumar Ghalley

Sanitary Inspector

Tsheten Wangchuk

Sanitary Inspector

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