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

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

MAndates of the deputy Chief Forestry Officer

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

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

Review development proposals, conduct environmental impact assessments, and issue environmental clearances in compliance with national and municipal regulations.
Monitor and regulate street hawker activities to ensure compliance with licensing, hygiene, zoning, and waste management standards, while addressing complaints and disputes.
Oversee operation and maintenance of crematorium facilities, ensuring health, safety, and environmental compliance in coordination with service providers and families.
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.
Conduct regular environmental monitoring and inspections of public spaces, businesses, and facilities to ensure adherence to environmental standards and waste prevention rules.
Provide technical backstopping, awareness, and training programs to promote sustainable environmental practices among residents, institutions, and businesses.
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)

Initiate, support, and assist in plantation, urban greening, and beautification programs, including landscaping of public spaces.
Review and issue Forestry Clearances for development projects, ensuring compliance with forestry and environmental regulations.
Oversee the removal of trees from state and privately registered lands in line with approved procedures.
Manage and operate the Thromde Nursery, including propagation of plants to support urban greening initiatives.
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)

Conduct regular field inspections of parks, gardens, micro-gardens, and landscaped areas to ensure proper creation, maintenance, safety, and adherence to Thromde standards.
Supervise daily landscaping and horticulture activities carried out by Thromde staff, contractors, and outsourced laborers, ensuring quality and timely completion.
Monitor and safeguard trees, plants, and green spaces from encroachment, damage, or misuse, and take corrective or enforcement actions as required.
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.
Provide on-site technical guidance to staff and contractors on planting, pruning, watering, pest management, and other landscaping practices.
Support community engagement initiatives by assisting with creation and maintenance of micro-gardens, tree planting, and urban greening programs on the ground.
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)

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

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Landfill Management)

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

Mandates of Sanitary Inspectors (takakura compost plant)

Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Takakura compost plant to ensure efficient processing of organic waste into compost, in line with environmental regulations.
Monitor segregation at source, collection, and delivery of organic waste to the compost plant, ensuring proper handling and adherence to waste management standards.
Inspect plant infrastructure, machinery, and equipment regularly to identify maintenance needs, operational issues, or safety hazards.
Provide training, guidance, and supervision to plant staff and waste handlers on safe and effective composting practices.
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.
Investigate complaints or operational issues related to the compost plant and take corrective or enforcement actions as necessary.
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)

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).
Review and process Soil Disposal Request Forms, issue disposal permits specifying authorized sites, maximum quantity, truckload-based charges, and ensure compliance with SOPs.
Inspect designated soil disposal areas to ensure adherence to erosion, sedimentation, and environmental regulations.
Investigate reports of illegal dumping, document evidence, and identify responsible parties for enforcement actions.
Coordinate with contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies to enforce proper soil disposal practices and mitigate environmental impacts.
Provide technical guidance to stakeholders on safe soil disposal methods and alternative options for construction and demolished waste.
Conduct regular site inspections, monitor compliance with permits, and report violations or non-compliance for corrective actions.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Street Hawkers)

Monitor city premises to ensure that street vending is fully restricted, enforcing municipal regulations.
Conduct inspections to identify informal or unauthorized vendors operating on streets, footpaths, and public spaces.
Educate the public and vendors on regulations and proper waste disposal practices.
Investigate complaints and mediate minor disputes related to unauthorized vending.
Take enforcement actions against violators, including confiscation of goods and equipment, in accordance with municipal rules.
Maintain accurate records of inspections, complaints, enforcement actions, and confiscated items for accountability and reporting.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Crematorium Services)

Oversee the operation and maintenance of crematorium facilities, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Conduct regular inspections of crematorium equipment and facilities to ensure proper functioning, cleanliness, and operational standards.
Coordinate cremation services and schedules with funeral homes, religious institutions, and bereaved families.
Manage the disposal of unclaimed dead bodies in accordance with municipal regulations and health guidelines.
Provide guidance, training, and support to staff responsible for cremation procedures, ensuring respectful and dignified handling of human remains.
Maintain accurate records of cremation operations, disposal of unclaimed bodies, inspections, and maintenance activities for accountability and reporting purposes.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Stray Cattle Catchers)

Inspect areas where stray cattle are reported to roam, assessing risks to public safety, traffic, property, and landscaped/beautified areas.
Coordinate with relevant agencies, including Dzongkhag Administration, DoL, BFDA, NVH, NCAH, RSPCA, and Semchen Tshedar Tsogpa, for stray cattle management and interventions.
Capture and impound stray cattle in designated shelters, ensuring humane handling, and re-home or manage them as per the SOP on Stray Animal Management.
Investigate reports of livestock owners neglecting or abandoning animals and take enforcement actions in accordance with municipal regulations.
Safeguard city parks, gardens, and landscaped areas from damage caused by stray cattle.
Maintain accurate records of stray cattle incidents, captures, impoundments, re-homing, and enforcement actions for accountability and reporting purposes.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Open Space Booking)

Assess public open spaces and implement allocation processes for recreational use, community events, and entertainment, in line with SOP.
Coordinate with urban planners, landscape architects, and community stakeholders to develop open space allocation plans, in consultation with the Department of Law and Order and the Royal Bhutan Police on eligibility criteria as per SOP.
Conduct site inspections to evaluate the condition, safety, and usability of parks and other open spaces within Thimphu Thromde, ensuring compliance with usage regulations, noise ordinances, and permit requirements.
Monitor activities in open spaces to ensure adherence to SOP, including proper maintenance, responsible use, proper waste management, and enforcement of regulations.
Maintain records of open space allocations, inspections, compliance actions, and community engagement activities for reporting and accountability.

Mandates of the Sanitary Inspector (Central CCTV Control Room)

Monitor and supervise live CCTV feeds and smart surveillance systems, including sensor-based detection of fill levels in bins and dumpsters, detect illegal dumping, environmental violations, and other urban infractions.
Monitor fleet movements of compactor vehicles used for waste collection to ensure timely collection, and inform the concerned Waste Service Providers of deviations.
Coordinate with field staff, enforcement teams, Royal Bhutan Police, and Community Waste Volunteers for prompt response to incidents and to identify and book offenses.
Maintain records of CCTV monitoring activities, incident reports, and enforcement actions for accountability and reporting purposes.
Conduct periodic checks and maintenance of CCTV equipment, sensors, and control room systems to ensure optimal functionality and continuous coverage.
Analyze surveillance data to identify trends, hotspots, and recurring issues, providing actionable insights to improve urban management, waste operations, and enforcement strategies.
Provide technical support and training to staff operating the CCTV control room to ensure proper monitoring, reporting, and incident escalation.