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Bhutan News archive for 31 May 2009

May 31, 2009 - From

International Sources

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Zee News
Thimphu, May 24: Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and …    [read more]

May play host to SAARC heads of state – Kuensel Online
31 May, 2009 – The Nu 455m enclave, popularly called the minister’s enclave, is being prepared for the first SAARC summit in Bhutan in April 2010, which means that the cabinet ministers will not move into their new homes in Motithang this year …    [read more]

Islander’s latest adventure takes him to Bhutan, world’s happiest … – Grand Island Independent
Ken Bruce came about as close as you can get to traveling through time this spring. No, it wasn’t in his DeLorean. Bruce took a three-week trip to the South Asian country of Bhutan, nestled high in the Himalayas and about as far from modern society …    [read more]

Do yoga in Bhutan on a discount – e-Travel Blackboard
Single travellers are being offered a $1000 (US$864) discount the six-night Judy Krupp yoga retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan to be held 12-18 July this year. Prices start from US$3228 for a single Superior room and include accommodation, 21 hours of …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

HCFCs to be phased out – Kuensel Online
31 May, 2009 -Bhutan will start phasing out hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), an ozone depleting substance (ODS), starting 2013. HCFC is both ozone depleting and a global warming substance, which all signatories to the Montreal Protocol have agreed …    [read more]

Hand-raised Asiatic bear cubs released into the wild – New Kerala
New Delhi, May 30 : Three Asiatic black bear cubs have been released into the wild in Assam’s Manas National Park after being hand-raised by an animal keeper as part of a technique experts say has helped save numerous wild animals in the past. The …    [read more]

World’s Most Therapeutic Robot: Paro Seal Pup – Inhabitat.com
Like a real animal, Paro can express happiness and anger depending on how people interact with it. Each handmade seal pup has five kinds of sensors: tactile, light, audition, temperature, and posture sensors, which it uses to perceive its environment …    [read more]

Kannada film to be shot in South Africa, Iceland – New Kerala
The movie’s 35-member team will move to South Africa June 7 to start shooting a song titled ‘Hey Paro’ in Durban and Johannesburg among other places. The audio of the film, composed by Hari Krishna, has been released to a good response and only two …    [read more]

Time running out for agents to win a place on luxury Bhutan famil – e-Travel Blackboard
Be quick or miss out on the chance to take part in a unique 10-night journey to a spectacular Himalayan Kingdom Travel agents have just two days left to secure a spot on Bhutan & Beyond’s exclusive 10-day luxury famil to the Himalayan Kingdom of …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

May play host to SAARC heads of state
Ministers, et al, will move in six months after earlier October 2009 deadline

31 May, 2009 – The Nu 455m enclave, popularly called the minister’s enclave, is being prepared for the first SAARC summit in Bhutan in April 2010, which means that the cabinet ministers will not move into their new homes in Motithang this year.
   [read more]

Cyclone Aila’s silver lining
In a week of bad news for the rest of the country, some good news from hydropower

31 May, 2009 – The effect of Cyclone Aila may have been bad for the rest of the country, but the hydropower sector is generating around 1,500 MW of power, which is double what is generated around this time in usual weather conditions.
   [read more]

Compromise solution to contraband disposal
31 May, 2009 - Custom officials in Phuentsholing are waiting for government directives to get rid of seized tobacco products that are fast filling up the department of revenue and customs (DRC) stores here.    [read more]

Tapping the Punatsangchu
A glimpse at the men (and machines) engaged in a gigantic attempt to tame a force of nature

31 May, 2009 -Stirred up by an endless train of battered trucks that haul rock, soil, equipment and workers, a perpetual mist of dust hangs over the dirt road leading into the gorge.
   [read more]

The CDG debate
31 May, 2009 -A lot of storms have been whipped up against the constituency development grant (CDG), which gives National Assembly (NA) members Nu 2 million each, every year for five years, to be used in their constituencies, for development projects not covered by the budget. Even as CDG was passed by the NA and approved by the cabinet.
   [read more]

HCFCs to be phased out
31 May, 2009 -Bhutan will start phasing out hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), an ozone depleting substance (ODS), starting 2013.

HCFC is both ozone depleting and a global warming substance, which all signatories to the Montreal Protocol have agreed to phase out. Bhutan, as a signatory to the Protocol, will have to phase out HCFC by 2030. National ozone officer, Peldon said that HCFC is used in refrigerators, air conditioners, chillers and many cooling appliances in use after the import of chloroflouro carbon (CFC) emitting appliances was banned in 2005. She said that Bhutan is well on track to completely phase out CFC by the January 2010 deadline.
   [read more]

Synthetic tracks on YHSS riverside ground
31 May, 2009 -Aspiring Bhutanese athletics could soon start running on synthetic tracks for sports events.

The Bhutan amateur athletic federation (BAAF) has already identified the Yangchenphug riverside ground for development and will start constructing the track by June.    [read more]

Picking up the pieces
Single mother loses near completed house to storm, receives kidu from His Majesty

31 May, 2009 -The night of May 25 was the longest night for Dorji Lhamo.

With the construction of her two-storied traditional building almost completed, the single mother from Yongsibji, Dagana, stayed up the whole night praying, as heavy rain pounded her house and strong winds tore it apart.
   [read more]

Buddhist Answers
31 May, 2009 – I’m a Buddhist, but I know I’ll never leave home and practice in the mountains or do a long retreat. Is there any point for me to practice?    [read more]

Korean Kool
30 May, 2009 - It’s chronic, it’s contagious and it’s cool. Ever since young people caught the Korean fever, thanks to TV channel Arirang, there’s been no looking back.

A continuous dose of Korean movies and drama further fueled the birth of a new fashion that was no nine-day wonder.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Should Bhutan join WTO?
Sir, As a Bhutanese currently studying abroad, I am as much concerned as any other Bhutanese on the issue of Bhutan joining WTO. Having lived and experienced the lifestyle of a developed country, I truly understand what GNH really means to me.
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba in his foreword for Bhutan 2020 Document has written: “The socio-economic [...]    [read more]

A broken heart is an open heart
The recent floods struck unexpectedly. The tragedy
that unfolded was a single day’s punctuation in a long sentence of peace but it altered the meaning of many lives. Lives were lost, families
were displaced, flustered tourists fled their riverside resorts and national life was disrupted. A concerned government
watched in utter helplessly.
This was not a day when Bhutan [...]    [read more]

Flood spectacle
With the rains, we have seen a spate of confusion everywhere. Thimphu was one chaotic picture.
Everybody woke up and suddenly found water everywhere. By the time residents knew that Wangchhu and its tributaries were in flood, considerable damage had already been done. Soon the raging river and damaged sites became a spectacle for the residents. [...]    [read more]

Last Tuesday, Thimphu witnessed a devastating flood which destroyed properties and claimed a few lives. Here are the glimpses of what our readers saw.
   [read more]

Gold& Silver Rates
   [read more]

100th customer of A-Star
Anoj Chhetri, a two-and-half-year-old boy became the 100th customer of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star car on May 22. The lucky customer received a digital rice cooker from Bhutan Zimdra Automobiles, the dealer of Maruti Suzuki A-Star in Bhutan.
Anoj’s father, an engineer in a private firm in Phuentsholing, said he was planning to buy a car [...]    [read more]

Rural taxes lost in collection
The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) has recommended the government to institute a systematic rural tax collection. According to the RAA, lapses in collection of rural taxes have been a major issue in the gewog administrations.
Recent audit reports show shortfalls of Nu 0.315 million from rural tax collections in Chhukha, Dagana, Mongar, Samtse, Wangdue and Zhemgang [...]    [read more]

Road: boon or bane?
Nothing comes without a cost. For the porters and horsemen of Gasa, the construction of the Punakha-Gasa road is a curse in disguise.
For decades, the porters and horsemen have been earning their living ferrying people from the road end in Punakha to Gasa. But since the road construction began, many of them say their income [...]    [read more]

Bhutanese archers prepare for world championship
Bhutan will take part in the 45th World Outdoor Target Archery championship in Ulsan, Korea, from September 1 to 9.
In preparation, the archery federation has been training 20 girls and 21 boys out of which three girls and three boys will be selected based on their performance to participate in the world championship.
Once selected, the [...]    [read more]

Bumthang’s first basketball tournament
The first open coronation basketball league tournament in Bumthang is in full swing these days.
Organised by Amankora, the tournament is held at Wangdichholing Lower Secondary School. Three women’s teams and eight men’s teams are participating in the tournament. The men’s teams include Zhidae, Chumey Middle Secondary School, Acid, Wandgichholing Lower Secondary School 1 and 2, [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 30 May 2009

May 30, 2009 - From

International Sources

Islander’s latest adventure takes him to Bhutan, world’s happiest … – Grand Island Independent
Ken Bruce came about as close as you can get to traveling through time this spring. No, it wasn’t in his DeLorean. Bruce took a three-week trip to the South Asian country of Bhutan, nestled high in the Himalayas and about as far from modern society …    [read more]

His Majesty visits flood-affected areas – Kuensel Online
30 May, 2009 – His Majesty the King returned yesterday to Thimphu after a weeklong tour of the south, during which His Majesty visited, on foot, various flood-affected villages, rivers, services and infrastructure. His Majesty walked from Umling to …    [read more]

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Zee News
Thimphu, May 24: Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and …    [read more]

Do yoga in Bhutan on a discount – e-Travel Blackboard
Single travellers are being offered a $1000 (US$864) discount the six-night Judy Krupp yoga retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan to be held 12-18 July this year. Prices start from US$3228 for a single Superior room and include accommodation, 21 hours of …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan – Kuensel Online
OPINION 24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan? For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a …    [read more]

World’s Most Therapeutic Robot: Paro Seal Pup – Inhabitat.com
Like a real animal, Paro can express happiness and anger depending on how people interact with it. Each handmade seal pup has five kinds of sensors: tactile, light, audition, temperature, and posture sensors, which it uses to perceive its environment …    [read more]

Kareena has no time for Sudhir Mishra’s film – Kerala Next
Kareena Kapoor Kareena Kapoor ’s unavailability of dates for movie ‘Dhruv’ is giving maverick director Sudhir Mishra sleepless nights. Now the question is whether Bebo will continue with the project or not. Sudhir, once excited to get a casting …    [read more]

Mr Nice guy’s Himalayan adventure – yorkshirepost
He’s just turned 60, so you could be forgiven for thinking that Alan Titchmarsh may be about to slow down a bit and reduce his workload. After all, how long can the affable, ever-smiling, always-busy Yorkshireman go on the way he does? It’s not …    [read more]

Time running out for agents to win a place on luxury Bhutan famil – e-Travel Blackboard
Be quick or miss out on the chance to take part in a unique 10-night journey to a spectacular Himalayan Kingdom Travel agents have just two days left to secure a spot on Bhutan & Beyond’s exclusive 10-day luxury famil to the Himalayan Kingdom of …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Korean Kool
30 May, 2009 - It’s chronic, it’s contagious and it’s cool. Ever since young people caught the Korean fever, thanks to TV channel Arirang, there’s been no looking back.

A continuous dose of Korean movies and drama further fueled the birth of a new fashion that was no nine-day wonder.    [read more]

His Majesty visits flood-affected areas
30 May, 2009 – His Majesty the King returned yesterday to Thimphu after a weeklong tour of the south, during which His Majesty visited, on foot, various flood-affected villages, rivers, services and infrastructure.    [read more]

Draft Act draws flak
Unified civil service norms versus independence of constitutional bodies and judiciary

30 May, 2009 – The draft Civil Service Act, 2009, has drawn sharp criticism from the judiciary, constitutional bodies like the anti corruption commission (ACC), royal audit authority (RAA) and the election commission of Bhutan (ECB), who all say that certain clauses in the bill will affect their independence and are unconstitutional.
   [read more]

Cut off Dagana must make do
29 May, 2009 – The weather has cleared the sky over Dagana dzongkhag, but memories of the past haunt the remote town’s residents as they remain entirely cut off once more.    [read more]

Counting the cost
28 May, 2009 – With six dead in Bumthang – two women and four men, who were washed away while collecting cordyceps (see story) – the number of lives claimed by the recent floods in the country now stands at nine.

Two school students, Nar Bahadur Subba, 16, of Loselling school and Tandin Wangmo, 8, of Hongtso community school – both in Thimphu – and a dantak labourer in Chukha were killed yesterday.

   [read more]

Tightening the screw
OAG initiative to bar, bail notwithstanding, convicted civil servants from active duty

29 May, 2009 – Once convicted of a crime, a civil servant will automatically be terminated or compulsorily retired even if the court frees him on bail.    [read more]

Hamstrung by the lack of an Act
29 May, 2009 – As one of the worst natural disasters hit Bhutan this week, it was 12 people, including a driver without a car, in the department of disaster management (DDM), who were coordinating flood relief and mitigation efforts across the country, and also feeding information to the government.
   [read more]

After the rains, a roof
29 May, 2009 – The centenary farmers market in Thimphu, built at Nu 88 million and inaugurated recently, needs to be renovated, say vegetable vendors, after heavy rainfall earlier this week damaged vegetables stored for the weekend.    [read more]

The damage done, nationwide
29 May, 2009 – The Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway, lifeline of the capital, is still blocked at Tanalum and Takti, according to latest reports. Although most of the highways are cleared, Lhuentse and Dagana are totally cut off from the rest of the country because of a massive landslide in Ratpashong on the Mongar-Lhuentse and the Dagachu bridge, which was washed away on Monday.    [read more]

BoB.2
Bhutan’s oldest bank celebrates 41 years by launching its Internet banking services

29 May, 2009 – Bhutan’s oldest bank, Bank of Bhutan, launched Internet banking, the latest services in the banking sector. BoB also launched its SMS banking service (short message service).
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Should Bhutan join WTO?
Sir, As a Bhutanese currently studying abroad, I am as much concerned as any other Bhutanese on the issue of Bhutan joining WTO. Having lived and experienced the lifestyle of a developed country, I truly understand what GNH really means to me.
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba in his foreword for Bhutan 2020 Document has written: “The socio-economic [...]    [read more]

A broken heart is an open heart
The recent floods struck unexpectedly. The tragedy
that unfolded was a single day’s punctuation in a long sentence of peace but it altered the meaning of many lives. Lives were lost, families
were displaced, flustered tourists fled their riverside resorts and national life was disrupted. A concerned government
watched in utter helplessly.
This was not a day when Bhutan [...]    [read more]

Flood spectacle
With the rains, we have seen a spate of confusion everywhere. Thimphu was one chaotic picture.
Everybody woke up and suddenly found water everywhere. By the time residents knew that Wangchhu and its tributaries were in flood, considerable damage had already been done. Soon the raging river and damaged sites became a spectacle for the residents. [...]    [read more]

Last Tuesday, Thimphu witnessed a devastating flood which destroyed properties and claimed a few lives. Here are the glimpses of what our readers saw.
   [read more]

Gold& Silver Rates
   [read more]

100th customer of A-Star
Anoj Chhetri, a two-and-half-year-old boy became the 100th customer of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star car on May 22. The lucky customer received a digital rice cooker from Bhutan Zimdra Automobiles, the dealer of Maruti Suzuki A-Star in Bhutan.
Anoj’s father, an engineer in a private firm in Phuentsholing, said he was planning to buy a car [...]    [read more]

Rural taxes lost in collection
The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) has recommended the government to institute a systematic rural tax collection. According to the RAA, lapses in collection of rural taxes have been a major issue in the gewog administrations.
Recent audit reports show shortfalls of Nu 0.315 million from rural tax collections in Chhukha, Dagana, Mongar, Samtse, Wangdue and Zhemgang [...]    [read more]

Road: boon or bane?
Nothing comes without a cost. For the porters and horsemen of Gasa, the construction of the Punakha-Gasa road is a curse in disguise.
For decades, the porters and horsemen have been earning their living ferrying people from the road end in Punakha to Gasa. But since the road construction began, many of them say their income [...]    [read more]

Bhutanese archers prepare for world championship
Bhutan will take part in the 45th World Outdoor Target Archery championship in Ulsan, Korea, from September 1 to 9.
In preparation, the archery federation has been training 20 girls and 21 boys out of which three girls and three boys will be selected based on their performance to participate in the world championship.
Once selected, the [...]    [read more]

Bumthang’s first basketball tournament
The first open coronation basketball league tournament in Bumthang is in full swing these days.
Organised by Amankora, the tournament is held at Wangdichholing Lower Secondary School. Three women’s teams and eight men’s teams are participating in the tournament. The men’s teams include Zhidae, Chumey Middle Secondary School, Acid, Wandgichholing Lower Secondary School 1 and 2, [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 29 May 2009

May 29, 2009 - From

International Sources

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Zee News
Thimphu, May 24: Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and …    [read more]

Do yoga in Bhutan on a discount – e-Travel Blackboard
Single travellers are being offered a $1000 (US$864) discount the six-night Judy Krupp yoga retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan to be held 12-18 July this year. Prices start from US$3228 for a single Superior room and include accommodation, 21 hours of …    [read more]

World’s Most Therapeutic Robot: Paro Seal Pup – Inhabitat.com
Like a real animal, Paro can express happiness and anger depending on how people interact with it. Each handmade seal pup has five kinds of sensors: tactile, light, audition, temperature, and posture sensors, which it uses to perceive its environment …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan – Kuensel Online
OPINION 24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan? For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a …    [read more]

‘Spellbinding’ is the word at national spelling bee – Philadelphia Inquirer
WASHINGTON – Under the glare of bright lights, in a time slot usually reserved for athletes, actors, or dancing celebrities, a 13-year-old from Kansas was crowned the national spelling champ last night. An intense, oddly compelling spectacle of smart …    [read more]

Three ULFA held, RDX recovered – Kerala Next
RANGIYA, India: In a major haul, the Assam police today recovered five kg of RDX from three hardcore ULFA militants in Kamrup (Rural) district. The three ULFA ultras who were travelling from the Bhutan border to Rangiya, were apprehended by the SDPO …    [read more]

Australia assures to protect Indian students: Krishna – Economic Times
BANGALORE: Expressing concern over the recent attack on Indian students in Australia, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Friday said Australian authorities have assured that they will take “stern steps” to provide adequate protection for the …    [read more]

Bhutan’s big jump 1985-09 – Kuensel Online
25 May, 2009 – Bhutan has made tremendous progress in socio-economic development in the last 24 years, says a study by the national statistical bureau (NSB). The report titled ‘Comparative socio economic indicators for Bhutan,” compares the gross …    [read more]

ONGC to use Bangladesh waterways to transport machinery – Newstrack India
Agartala, May 29 (IANS) Bangladesh has agreed in principle to allow India to use its waterways to transport heavy machines for Oil and Natural Gas Corp’s (ONGC) upcoming 740-MW power project in Tripura, officials said here Friday. The gas-based …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Cut off Dagana must make do
29 May, 2009 – The weather has cleared the sky over Dagana dzongkhag, but memories of the past haunt the remote town’s residents as they remain entirely cut off once more.    [read more]

Counting the cost
28 May, 2009 – With six dead in Bumthang – two women and four men, who were washed away while collecting cordyceps (see story) – the number of lives claimed by the recent floods in the country now stands at nine.

Two school students, Nar Bahadur Subba, 16, of Loselling school and Tandin Wangmo, 8, of Hongtso community school – both in Thimphu – and a dantak labourer in Chukha were killed yesterday.

   [read more]

Tightening the screw
OAG initiative to bar, bail notwithstanding, convicted civil servants from active duty

29 May, 2009 – Once convicted of a crime, a civil servant will automatically be terminated or compulsorily retired even if the court frees him on bail.    [read more]

Hamstrung by the lack of an Act
29 May, 2009 – As one of the worst natural disasters hit Bhutan this week, it was 12 people, including a driver without a car, in the department of disaster management (DDM), who were coordinating flood relief and mitigation efforts across the country, and also feeding information to the government.
   [read more]

After the rains, a roof
29 May, 2009 – The centenary farmers market in Thimphu, built at Nu 88 million and inaugurated recently, needs to be renovated, say vegetable vendors, after heavy rainfall earlier this week damaged vegetables stored for the weekend.    [read more]

The damage done, nationwide
29 May, 2009 – The Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway, lifeline of the capital, is still blocked at Tanalum and Takti, according to latest reports. Although most of the highways are cleared, Lhuentse and Dagana are totally cut off from the rest of the country because of a massive landslide in Ratpashong on the Mongar-Lhuentse and the Dagachu bridge, which was washed away on Monday.    [read more]

BoB.2
Bhutan’s oldest bank celebrates 41 years by launching its Internet banking services

29 May, 2009 – Bhutan’s oldest bank, Bank of Bhutan, launched Internet banking, the latest services in the banking sector. BoB also launched its SMS banking service (short message service).
   [read more]

Things to do
29 May, 2009 – The past three-day floods began when Cyclone Aila dumped warm rains on Bhutan from down south Bay of Bengal. With the world’s climate undergoing dramatic change, this will not be the last we will see of it. Most of us thought that the threat of floods was only from up north Lunana glacial lakes. While we cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring, we can, however, reduce their destructive impact. We have much to do.    [read more]

Flood kills 4
Bhutan hit by record rainfall and floods

27 May, 2009 – Bhutan experienced record-breaking rainfall in the last three days as numerous streams and rivers in the country surged to dangerous flood levels, killing two students, a soldier, and a road construction employee from India, as well as cutting off several places as roads and bridges were damaged.
   [read more]

Flood news from across the land
By 4:30 pm yesterday Paro-Thimphu road was blocked at Ramtokto

27 May, 2009 – As rain beat down on the country, lives and belongings were lost

   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Should Bhutan join WTO?
Sir, As a Bhutanese currently studying abroad, I am as much concerned as any other Bhutanese on the issue of Bhutan joining WTO. Having lived and experienced the lifestyle of a developed country, I truly understand what GNH really means to me.
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba in his foreword for Bhutan 2020 Document has written: “The socio-economic [...]    [read more]

A broken heart is an open heart
The recent floods struck unexpectedly. The tragedy
that unfolded was a single day’s punctuation in a long sentence of peace but it altered the meaning of many lives. Lives were lost, families
were displaced, flustered tourists fled their riverside resorts and national life was disrupted. A concerned government
watched in utter helplessly.
This was not a day when Bhutan [...]    [read more]

Flood spectacle
With the rains, we have seen a spate of confusion everywhere. Thimphu was one chaotic picture.
Everybody woke up and suddenly found water everywhere. By the time residents knew that Wangchhu and its tributaries were in flood, considerable damage had already been done. Soon the raging river and damaged sites became a spectacle for the residents. [...]    [read more]

Last Tuesday, Thimphu witnessed a devastating flood which destroyed properties and claimed a few lives. Here are the glimpses of what our readers saw.
   [read more]

Gold& Silver Rates
   [read more]

100th customer of A-Star
Anoj Chhetri, a two-and-half-year-old boy became the 100th customer of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star car on May 22. The lucky customer received a digital rice cooker from Bhutan Zimdra Automobiles, the dealer of Maruti Suzuki A-Star in Bhutan.
Anoj’s father, an engineer in a private firm in Phuentsholing, said he was planning to buy a car [...]    [read more]

Rural taxes lost in collection
The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) has recommended the government to institute a systematic rural tax collection. According to the RAA, lapses in collection of rural taxes have been a major issue in the gewog administrations.
Recent audit reports show shortfalls of Nu 0.315 million from rural tax collections in Chhukha, Dagana, Mongar, Samtse, Wangdue and Zhemgang [...]    [read more]

Road: boon or bane?
Nothing comes without a cost. For the porters and horsemen of Gasa, the construction of the Punakha-Gasa road is a curse in disguise.
For decades, the porters and horsemen have been earning their living ferrying people from the road end in Punakha to Gasa. But since the road construction began, many of them say their income [...]    [read more]

Bhutanese archers prepare for world championship
Bhutan will take part in the 45th World Outdoor Target Archery championship in Ulsan, Korea, from September 1 to 9.
In preparation, the archery federation has been training 20 girls and 21 boys out of which three girls and three boys will be selected based on their performance to participate in the world championship.
Once selected, the [...]    [read more]

Bumthang’s first basketball tournament
The first open coronation basketball league tournament in Bumthang is in full swing these days.
Organised by Amankora, the tournament is held at Wangdichholing Lower Secondary School. Three women’s teams and eight men’s teams are participating in the tournament. The men’s teams include Zhidae, Chumey Middle Secondary School, Acid, Wandgichholing Lower Secondary School 1 and 2, [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 28 May 2009

May 28, 2009 - From

International Sources

County speller falls in prelims – Daily Local News
Chester County will not have a contestant in today’s final rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Paro Sen, the Avon Grove Charter School seventh-grader who earned a place in the national bee after winning this year’s Chester County Spelling …    [read more]

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Zee News
Thimphu, May 24: Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and …    [read more]

Bhutan mulling Buddhism in colleges – Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutan is mulling to introduce Buddhism in colleges as it feels it is necessary for the education system of a country with a Buddhist culture. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in collaboration with the ‘dratshang’ or central monastic …    [read more]

Do yoga in Bhutan on a discount – e-Travel Blackboard
Single travellers are being offered a $1000 (US$864) discount the six-night Judy Krupp yoga retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan to be held 12-18 July this year. Prices start from US$3228 for a single Superior room and include accommodation, 21 hours of …    [read more]

1 accident every 2 days on expressway – Kuensel Online
28 May, 2009 – The six-kilometre-long Thimphu-Babesa expressway may be a favourite stretch for motorists to try their skills at speeding, but the stretch is becoming a growing concern for traffic police, with accident numbers increasing every year …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

Counting the cost – Kuensel Online
28 May, 2009 – With six dead in Bumthang – two women and four men, who were washed away while collecting cordyceps (see story) – the number of lives claimed by the recent floods in the country now stands at nine. Two school students, Nar Bahadur …    [read more]

Time running out for agents to win a place on luxury Bhutan famil – e-Travel Blackboard
Be quick or miss out on the chance to take part in a unique 10-night journey to a spectacular Himalayan Kingdom Travel agents have just two days left to secure a spot on Bhutan & Beyond’s exclusive 10-day luxury famil to the Himalayan Kingdom of …    [read more]

Bebo on board? – Times of India
Director Sudhir Mishra, who has been busy with the pre-production of his next film Dhruv, is a much worried man now, thanks to leading lady Kareena Kapoor. The actress, who plays a politician and is paired opposite Farhan Akhtar in Dhruv, has no …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

RIVER RAVAGED ROAD

28 May, 2009 – Years of refurbishing the Thimphu-Chuzom stretch of the national highway have been undone in a day    [read more]

Counting the cost
Construction machines damaged in Damchu, Chukha

28 May, 2009 – With six dead in Bumthang – two women and four men, who were washed away while collecting cordyceps (see story) – the number of lives claimed by the recent floods in the country now stands at nine.
   [read more]

Cordycep collectors buried under landslide
28 May, 2009 – Six farmers from Chokhor gewog, Bumthang, were buried alive under a huge landslide on Tuesday while trying to escape a storm. The six people, four men and two women, went to collect yartsa goenbub (cordyceps sinensis) in the mountains of Namdhateng, near the Bhutan-China border.    [read more]

1 accident every 2 days on expressway
28 May, 2009 – The six-kilometre-long Thimphu-Babesa expressway may be a favourite stretch for motorists to try their skills at speeding, but the stretch is becoming a growing concern for traffic police, with accident numbers increasing every year.
   [read more]

Fishy business after the flood
FROM FLOOD TO FRYING PAN? – A forest officer holds up three dead fishes for the camera

20 nocturnal ‘anglers’ nabbed along the Thimphuchu

28 May, 2009 – Some Thimphu residents were not surprised when they were presented yesterday with brown trout (the commonest fish in Thimphuchu) or when served with fish fry dishes.
   [read more]

Tsirang chewogs renamed at ECB bidding
28 May, 2009 – Beteni gewog in Tsirang is reputed for growing bitter cane shoots (patsa) in abundance. The gewog will now be called Patsaling.    [read more]

Rain wreaks havoc in east
28 May, 2009 – Parched regions of Trashigang welcomed the early monsoon showers on Monday. By Tuesday evening though, farmers were praying for the rain to stop as the deluge caused havoc in the dzongkhag, especially in Merak and Sakteng gewogs.
   [read more]

The aftermath
28 May, 2009 – For the past three rainy days, towns and villages lived under the shadow of potential catastrophe, watching every twitch and twist of their rivers and streams as they rose to record flood levels, sending water spilling over banks into human settlements. By morning yesterday, however, rivers appeared to have crested and started subsiding. But the damage was done.    [read more]

Flood kills 4
Bhutan hit by record rainfall and floods

27 May, 2009 – Bhutan experienced record-breaking rainfall in the last three days as numerous streams and rivers in the country surged to dangerous flood levels, killing two students, a soldier, and a road construction employee from India, as well as cutting off several places as roads and bridges were damaged.
   [read more]

Flood news from across the land
By 4:30 pm yesterday Paro-Thimphu road was blocked at Ramtokto

27 May, 2009 – As rain beat down on the country, lives and belongings were lost

   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Deluge confusion
Continues rain over the last 24 hours has thrown Thimphu city into confusion. One child has been reportedly washed away from Olakha. Scores of people line the banks of heavily swollen Thimchu, some of them dangerously close to it. While some are mere onlookers, others are curious photographers. Some people are seen trying to pull [...]    [read more]

Sungchop Magmi – for the heroes
A n army officer goes home to meet his beloved. He discloses his intension to marry her. The couple’s parents welcome the matrimonial plan so the lovers wait for an auspicious day for marriage.
But before the astrologer is consulted, the officer receives a letter asking him to report immediately to the army headquarters.
Thus begins Sungchop [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Paro and Haa exclusive archery
The Inter Paro Yangphel-style Archery Tournament has entered the knockout stage since May 20. The tournament being held for the seventh year was started on May 2 coinciding with the birth anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo.
To encourage the people from within the valleys of Paro and Haa, the tournament has been made exclusive to [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Amla could help reduce poverty
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), a sour wild fruit found in abundance across the country, could help reduce poverty, according to discussions on UN forum – Solution Exchange Bhutan.
People from various walks of life are discussing the uses of amla and its possibility to help farmers in rural villages earn extra income through its promotion and marketing.
Chheki [...]    [read more]

FCB sinking in a financial swamp
Without any subsidies and financial assistance from the government for its social activities, officials of the Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) say it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain its business.
Apart from the government’s initial investment on National Food Security Reserves and SAARC reserve stocks, which is currently about 50 percent of the total investment, [...]    [read more]

“Police abuse again?”
It is time that our society is based and founded on the sole principle of knowledge, intelligence, creativity and innovation, above and over “who is who” and “who is where”. Some of us have suffered; and such acts are enough already; enough is enough.
TT
The police officers are thinking that they can torture, threaten and dominate [...]    [read more]

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 27 May 2009

May 27, 2009 - From

International Sources

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Zee News
Thimphu, May 24: Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and …    [read more]

Flood kills 4 – Kuensel Online
27 May, 2009 – Bhutan experienced record-breaking rainfall in the last three days as numerous streams and rivers in the country surged to dangerous flood levels, killing two students, a soldier, and a road construction employee from India, as well as …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

Bhutan mulling Buddhism in colleges – Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutan is mulling to introduce Buddhism in colleges as it feels it is necessary for the education system of a country with a Buddhist culture. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in collaboration with the ‘dratshang’ or central monastic …    [read more]

Do yoga in Bhutan on a discount – e-Travel Blackboard
Single travellers are being offered a $1000 (US$864) discount the six-night Judy Krupp yoga retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan to be held 12-18 July this year. Prices start from US$3228 for a single Superior room and include accommodation, 21 hours of …    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan – Kuensel Online
OPINION 24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan? For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a …    [read more]

Readers’ Comments on ” Statement from Shakabpa family regarding Tsepon … – Phayul
Readers’ Comments on ” Statement from Shakabpa family regarding Tsepon Shakabpa’s passport ” The Shakabpa family is happy to hear that our late Father and Grandfather, Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa’s original Tibetan passport has been recovered and …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold maiden SAARC summit in 2010 – Zee News
Thimphu, May 20: Bhutan which had skipped the opportunity to host the SAARC summit three times due to its poor infrastructure is all set to host next year’s two-day conference, which sees the convergence of all South Asian leaders. The 16th SAARC …    [read more]

West Bengal keen on setting up hydel project in Bhutan – Thaindian.com
Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) West Bengal is keen to take up a hydel power project in Bhutan and wants the central government’s help in this regard, a senior government official said here Wednesday. “We want to set up a project, with our own investment …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Flood kills 4
Bhutan hit by record rainfall and floods

27 May, 2009 – Bhutan experienced record-breaking rainfall in the last three days as numerous streams and rivers in the country surged to dangerous flood levels, killing two students, a soldier, and a road construction employee from India, as well as cutting off several places as roads and bridges were damaged.
   [read more]

Flood news from across the land
By 4:30 pm yesterday Paro-Thimphu road was blocked at Ramtokto

27 May, 2009 – As rain beat down on the country, lives and belongings were lost

   [read more]

NC seeks to strengthen ACC Act
27 May, 2009 – The National Council (NC) is currently going over the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act 2006 to tweak some of the weak clauses and make them more robust.
   [read more]

Cancer registry conditional to control
27 May, 2009 – Cancer is the leading cause of death in Bhutan. Cancer cases are steadily rising. Millions of ngultrums are spent on cancer referral cases. Yet, Bhutan does not have a national cancer control programme.    [read more]

Tourism to come to Merak-Sakteng
27 May, 2009 – The brokpas (highlanders) of remote Merak and Sakteng will see more chilips (foreigners) and could possibly earn a few dollars with the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) identifying it as a tourist destination.
   [read more]

All work and no play
27 May, 2009 – So, son, how are you doing in school? Well, Apa, I’m centre forward in football and right back in studies. It’s an old joke but still relevant to our times. It highlights the conflict between doing well in class and in sports, a real concern in our part of the world where a future is often associated with academic excellence.
   [read more]

.
Alert. 27 May, 2009 – The Department of Disaster Management has asked people across Bhutan to stay away from low lying areas next to rivers and not to go near rivers. The heavy rains has lead to the swelling of many rivers across Bhutan with the Wangchu in Thimphu already crossing the danger mark. People are also advised to limit their driving and other outdoor activities especially in landslide prone areas.    [read more]

Embracing eBooks
26 May, 2009 – The paperless culture is slowly seeping in. With most communication done electronically, it’s not surprising to see even books going that way.

As with any new technology product, the e-book is causing waves of excitement around the globe. What started as a means for academic research is today available widely to the general public.    [read more]

Killers top men – YHS girls win

26 May, 2009 – From jump ball to buzzer shot, spectators were on their feet, anxious and excited, as Killers and Scarlet Fever went head to head during the finals of the 10th silver jubilee basketball tournament in Paro.
   [read more]

5q

26 May, 2009 – Sonam Wangdi, 26, is a marketing officer of mobile car cleaning centre. He plans to open jointly a car products showroom.

1. What were your plans after your studies?
I’d wanted to join the police because I find the job interesting, but that didn’t happen. So now I’m helping my friend with his marketing.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Deluge confusion
Continues rain over the last 24 hours has thrown Thimphu city into confusion. One child has been reportedly washed away from Olakha. Scores of people line the banks of heavily swollen Thimchu, some of them dangerously close to it. While some are mere onlookers, others are curious photographers. Some people are seen trying to pull [...]    [read more]

Sungchop Magmi – for the heroes
A n army officer goes home to meet his beloved. He discloses his intension to marry her. The couple’s parents welcome the matrimonial plan so the lovers wait for an auspicious day for marriage.
But before the astrologer is consulted, the officer receives a letter asking him to report immediately to the army headquarters.
Thus begins Sungchop [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Paro and Haa exclusive archery
The Inter Paro Yangphel-style Archery Tournament has entered the knockout stage since May 20. The tournament being held for the seventh year was started on May 2 coinciding with the birth anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo.
To encourage the people from within the valleys of Paro and Haa, the tournament has been made exclusive to [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Amla could help reduce poverty
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), a sour wild fruit found in abundance across the country, could help reduce poverty, according to discussions on UN forum – Solution Exchange Bhutan.
People from various walks of life are discussing the uses of amla and its possibility to help farmers in rural villages earn extra income through its promotion and marketing.
Chheki [...]    [read more]

FCB sinking in a financial swamp
Without any subsidies and financial assistance from the government for its social activities, officials of the Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) say it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain its business.
Apart from the government’s initial investment on National Food Security Reserves and SAARC reserve stocks, which is currently about 50 percent of the total investment, [...]    [read more]

“Police abuse again?”
It is time that our society is based and founded on the sole principle of knowledge, intelligence, creativity and innovation, above and over “who is who” and “who is where”. Some of us have suffered; and such acts are enough already; enough is enough.
TT
The police officers are thinking that they can torture, threaten and dominate [...]    [read more]

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 26 May 2009

May 26, 2009 - From

International Sources

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Zee News
Thimphu, May 24: Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and …    [read more]

Bhutan mulling Buddhism in colleges – Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutan is mulling to introduce Buddhism in colleges as it feels it is necessary for the education system of a country with a Buddhist culture. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in collaboration with the ‘dratshang’ or central monastic …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold next SAARC Summit in April – Times of India
KATHMANDU: Basking in limelight last year when it held its first general elections, followed by the crowning of a new king, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will grab world attention once again in April when it hosts the 16th SAARC Summit. It will be …    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan – Kuensel Online
OPINION 24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan? For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold maiden SAARC summit in 2010 – Zee News
Thimphu, May 20: Bhutan which had skipped the opportunity to host the SAARC summit three times due to its poor infrastructure is all set to host next year’s two-day conference, which sees the convergence of all South Asian leaders. The 16th SAARC …    [read more]

Bhutan’s big jump 1985-09 – Kuensel Online
25 May, 2009 – Bhutan has made tremendous progress in socio-economic development in the last 24 years, says a study by the national statistical bureau (NSB). The report titled ‘Comparative socio economic indicators for Bhutan,” compares the gross …    [read more]

West Bengal keen on setting up hydel project in Bhutan – Thaindian.com
Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) West Bengal is keen to take up a hydel power project in Bhutan and wants the central government’s help in this regard, a senior government official said here Wednesday. “We want to set up a project, with our own investment …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

PNB to open 5 overseas offices in next one year – Top News India
Punjab National Bank (PNB), the country’s third largest bank, is planning to open five overseas offices over the next one year, in order to cater to Indian emigrant population. The bank has already filed for approvals in the different countries and …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

.
Alert. 27 May, 2009 – The Department of Disaster Management has asked people across Bhutan to stay away from low lying areas next to rivers and not to go near rivers. The heavy rains has lead to the swelling of many rivers across Bhutan with the Wangchu in Thimphu already crossing the danger mark. People are also advised to limit their driving and other outdoor activities especially in landslide prone areas.    [read more]

Embracing eBooks
26 May, 2009 – The paperless culture is slowly seeping in. With most communication done electronically, it’s not surprising to see even books going that way.

As with any new technology product, the e-book is causing waves of excitement around the globe. What started as a means for academic research is today available widely to the general public.    [read more]

Killers top men – YHS girls win

26 May, 2009 – From jump ball to buzzer shot, spectators were on their feet, anxious and excited, as Killers and Scarlet Fever went head to head during the finals of the 10th silver jubilee basketball tournament in Paro.
   [read more]

5q

26 May, 2009 – Sonam Wangdi, 26, is a marketing officer of mobile car cleaning centre. He plans to open jointly a car products showroom.

1. What were your plans after your studies?
I’d wanted to join the police because I find the job interesting, but that didn’t happen. So now I’m helping my friend with his marketing.    [read more]

Nazhoen Pelri, P/ling

26 May, 2009 – The month-old Nazhoen Pelri youth hostel has come as a blessing for youth in Phuentsholing. Charging only Nu 50 a night for those under 24 years, the youth hostel has a cafeteria, counseling centre, tutoring and homework support facilities.    [read more]

Ask Mr Thimphu

26 May, 2009 – Sir,
I am 29 years old, 5’3”but weighing 69 kgs. I am a working mother, thus I hardly have time for any fitness regime. Please suggest considering my busy schedule as to how to keep myself fit and start reducing my weight. And what’s the ideal weight for my height?

SR

   [read more]

.

26 May, 2009 – Representatives of His Majesty the King, HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck and Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, along with the Chairman of the Royal Privy Council, Chenkyab Dorji, receiving His Holiness the Je Khenpo at the Linkana Palace yesterday.
   [read more]

Tala down for 3.4 hrs
26 May, 2009 – A toxic gas leak from a power switch yesterday forced the country’s biggest revenue generator – the 1020 MW Tala hydroelecric project – to shut down for about four hours. No one was hurt.

In that time – 4:40 pm to 8:20 pm – the country was run by hydroprojects in Chukha, Basochu and Kurichu. Tala officials said the situation was a first for Tala and the shutdown cost about Nu 1m an hour in revenue loss.    [read more]

Embankment to Bomdeling’s rescue
26 May, 2009 – Trashiyangtse dzongkhag, with the help of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has begun work to reclaim the paddy fields in the Bomdeling valley – also the winter home of the black-necked cranes – which was destroyed by flood in 2004.    [read more]

Cyclone strands Drukair flights
26 May, 2009 – Two Drukair aircraft on their way to Paro from Bangkok and Delhi respectively yesterday were stranded in Kolkata and Kathmandu as Cyclone Aila hit cities in the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Deluge confusion
Continues rain over the last 24 hours has thrown Thimphu city into confusion. One child has been reportedly washed away from Olakha. Scores of people line the banks of heavily swollen Thimchu, some of them dangerously close to it. While some are mere onlookers, others are curious photographers. Some people are seen trying to pull [...]    [read more]

Sungchop Magmi – for the heroes
A n army officer goes home to meet his beloved. He discloses his intension to marry her. The couple’s parents welcome the matrimonial plan so the lovers wait for an auspicious day for marriage.
But before the astrologer is consulted, the officer receives a letter asking him to report immediately to the army headquarters.
Thus begins Sungchop [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Paro and Haa exclusive archery
The Inter Paro Yangphel-style Archery Tournament has entered the knockout stage since May 20. The tournament being held for the seventh year was started on May 2 coinciding with the birth anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo.
To encourage the people from within the valleys of Paro and Haa, the tournament has been made exclusive to [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Amla could help reduce poverty
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), a sour wild fruit found in abundance across the country, could help reduce poverty, according to discussions on UN forum – Solution Exchange Bhutan.
People from various walks of life are discussing the uses of amla and its possibility to help farmers in rural villages earn extra income through its promotion and marketing.
Chheki [...]    [read more]

FCB sinking in a financial swamp
Without any subsidies and financial assistance from the government for its social activities, officials of the Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) say it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain its business.
Apart from the government’s initial investment on National Food Security Reserves and SAARC reserve stocks, which is currently about 50 percent of the total investment, [...]    [read more]

“Police abuse again?”
It is time that our society is based and founded on the sole principle of knowledge, intelligence, creativity and innovation, above and over “who is who” and “who is where”. Some of us have suffered; and such acts are enough already; enough is enough.
TT
The police officers are thinking that they can torture, threaten and dominate [...]    [read more]

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 25 May 2009

May 25, 2009 - From

International Sources

No Nano for Bhutan, now – Mid Day.com
Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and pollution. “There …    [read more]

Laconia sees Bhutanese wedding – Citizen
LACONIA -— It was a first in Laconia and maybe in New Hampshire: a Bhutanese wedding. The wedding, performed a month ago, on April 27 at 9 o’clock a.m., joined bride Santi Bhattarai , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abi Bhattarai of Laconia, with the …    [read more]

Bhutan’s big jump 1985-09 – Kuensel Online
25 May, 2009 – Bhutan has made tremendous progress in socio-economic development in the last 24 years, says a study by the national statistical bureau (NSB). The report titled ‘Comparative socio economic indicators for Bhutan,” compares the gross …    [read more]

Bhutan mulling Buddhism in colleges – Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutan is mulling to introduce Buddhism in colleges as it feels it is necessary for the education system of a country with a Buddhist culture. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in collaboration with the ‘dratshang’ or central monastic …    [read more]

The Bhutan Bangkok connection – e-Travel Blackboard
Discover the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Uma Paro’s full-service packages. Our expert team of English-speaking guides offer a variety of cultural and adventure itineraries, providing easy, intelligent access to the country and its …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold next SAARC Summit in April – Times of India
KATHMANDU: Basking in limelight last year when it held its first general elections, followed by the crowning of a new king, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will grab world attention once again in April when it hosts the 16th SAARC Summit. It will be …    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan – Kuensel Online
OPINION 24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan? For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold maiden SAARC summit in 2010 – Zee News
Thimphu, May 20: Bhutan which had skipped the opportunity to host the SAARC summit three times due to its poor infrastructure is all set to host next year’s two-day conference, which sees the convergence of all South Asian leaders. The 16th SAARC …    [read more]

West Bengal keen on setting up hydel project in Bhutan – Thaindian.com
Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) West Bengal is keen to take up a hydel power project in Bhutan and wants the central government’s help in this regard, a senior government official said here Wednesday. “We want to set up a project, with our own investment …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Tennis anyone?

25 May, 2009 – Everyone knows who Nadal and Federer are, but only ardent tennis players and lovers in Thimphu know who Jigme Sherab is. The diffident and soft-spoken, National Open winner of 2005 is courteous and obliging.

   [read more]

Bhutan’s big jump 1985-09
25 May, 2009 – Bhutan has made tremendous progress in socio-economic development in the last 24 years, says a study by the national statistical bureau (NSB). The report titled ‘Comparative socio economic indicators for Bhutan,” compares the gross domestic product (GDP), revenue and finance, health, education, agriculture, transport and communications of March 2009 with 1985.    [read more]

Sports authority proposal delayed
25 May, 2009 – The government in 2006 directed the youth and sports department to formulate a national sports policy, together with various sports organisations. This was to ensure better sporting infrastructure around the country, develop elite athletes, create career opportunities, foster healthy lifestyles and enable better coordination among sports agencies.    [read more]

Saving bird habitat
25 May, 2009 – Known as Kangtengzam, the suspension bridge over what was once Kholongchu in Bumdeling, Trashiyangtse, is in a decerepit state today, with the river no longer flowing below it. And this has caused hardship to farmers.
   [read more]

Yangchenphug Career Conference 2009
Worthy venture (with a few
wrinkles)

25 May, 2009 – Inspired but confused. This was what most class XII students of Yangchenphug higher secondary school (YHSS) said at the end of their career counseling session on May 22.
   [read more]

At cross purposes over a slaughterhouse
About 40 to 50 cattle are butchered every month in Gosaling

25 May, 2009 – The second Saga daw (auspicious month) in the Bhutanese calendar began yesterday and Gosaling villagers are unusually happy. With the slaughterhouse in their village shut for a month, they will not see broad daylight butchering of cattle.    [read more]

Knife-wielder gets five plus
25 May, 2009 – Samtse court on Friday sentenced a 22-year-old man to five-and-a-half years in prison for robbery and threat to life.
   [read more]

More than a mere pastime
25 May, 2009 – There are several ways to prove that archery is our national sport.
Consider the number of archery ranges that keep popping up everywhere. Actually, any open space more than 100 yards usually serves as a range. Could it be compared to the alleys in India being used to play cricket? Paro dzongkhag, for that matter, has about a 100 ranges, spread all over the valley floor and up in the mountains as well. Thimphu has its share of archery ranges by the banks of the Thimphuchhu and near the forests of Mothithang. In Phuentsholing, one permanent range is inside a park.
   [read more]

Grassroots awareness on disaster management
24 May, 2009 – Equipped with numerous multicoloured chart papers and sketch pens, 15 members of the Wangdue disaster awareness and planning team descended upon the village of Bajo. There they were met by the village community and, together, they drew.    [read more]

Mongar school goes golden
MONGAR SCHOOL FOUNDER – The late Babu Tashi, who started the institute on royal command of Late His Majesty

24 May, 2009 – One morning in 1959, a high ranked official (Khochi Neten) and his clerk from Mongar dzong came to Drepong village. They visited a house and talked with the head of the family. They were served with food and drinks.

A young boy listened to the conversation. Without understanding much, he left for the jungle to graze his cattle.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Paro and Haa exclusive archery
The Inter Paro Yangphel-style Archery Tournament has entered the knockout stage since May 20. The tournament being held for the seventh year was started on May 2 coinciding with the birth anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo.
To encourage the people from within the valleys of Paro and Haa, the tournament has been made exclusive to [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Amla could help reduce poverty
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), a sour wild fruit found in abundance across the country, could help reduce poverty, according to discussions on UN forum – Solution Exchange Bhutan.
People from various walks of life are discussing the uses of amla and its possibility to help farmers in rural villages earn extra income through its promotion and marketing.
Chheki [...]    [read more]

FCB sinking in a financial swamp
Without any subsidies and financial assistance from the government for its social activities, officials of the Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) say it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain its business.
Apart from the government’s initial investment on National Food Security Reserves and SAARC reserve stocks, which is currently about 50 percent of the total investment, [...]    [read more]

“Police abuse again?”
It is time that our society is based and founded on the sole principle of knowledge, intelligence, creativity and innovation, above and over “who is who” and “who is where”. Some of us have suffered; and such acts are enough already; enough is enough.
TT
The police officers are thinking that they can torture, threaten and dominate [...]    [read more]

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

The cult of shortcut
Bhutanese way or otherwise, there are at least two ways to do a task. One way is shortcut; the other is normal, designated way. The former is a personal course, the latter an official course. Because it runs its natural course, the latter has come to be casually and unnecessarily branded as a long, curvy [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Picture Story
   [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 24 May 2009

May 24, 2009 - From

International Sources

No Nano now for the Bhutanese! – Hindustan Times
Nano is unlikely to hit Bhutan roads in the next couple of years as the government feels Tata’s “all-weather people’s vehicle” will increase the number of cars phenomenally in the country resulting in heavy traffic congestion and pollution. “There …    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan – Kuensel Online
OPINION 24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan? For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a …    [read more]

Grassroots awareness on disaster management – Kuensel Online
24 May, 2009 – Equipped with numerous multicoloured chart papers and sketch pens, 15 members of the Wangdue disaster awareness and planning team descended upon the village of Bajo. There they were met by the village community and, together, they drew …    [read more]

Bhutan mulling Buddhism in colleges – Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutan is mulling to introduce Buddhism in colleges as it feels it is necessary for the education system of a country with a Buddhist culture. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in collaboration with the ‘dratshang’ or central monastic …    [read more]

The Bhutan Bangkok connection – e-Travel Blackboard
Discover the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Uma Paro’s full-service packages. Our expert team of English-speaking guides offer a variety of cultural and adventure itineraries, providing easy, intelligent access to the country and its …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold next SAARC Summit in April – Times of India
KATHMANDU: Basking in limelight last year when it held its first general elections, followed by the crowning of a new king, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will grab world attention once again in April when it hosts the 16th SAARC Summit. It will be …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold maiden SAARC summit in 2010 – Zee News
Thimphu, May 20: Bhutan which had skipped the opportunity to host the SAARC summit three times due to its poor infrastructure is all set to host next year’s two-day conference, which sees the convergence of all South Asian leaders. The 16th SAARC …    [read more]

West Bengal keen on setting up hydel project in Bhutan – Thaindian.com
Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) West Bengal is keen to take up a hydel power project in Bhutan and wants the central government’s help in this regard, a senior government official said here Wednesday. “We want to set up a project, with our own investment …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

Attacks rattle refugees from Bhutan – Denver Post
From left, Yadav Rizal, Mani Dahal and Pasupati Khanal talk about the black eye and cuts inflicted on Rizal in one of four known attacks on refugees from Bhutan in the metro area. ( Andy Cross, The Denver Post ) Three recent, but apparently unrelated …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Grassroots awareness on disaster management
24 May, 2009 – Equipped with numerous multicoloured chart papers and sketch pens, 15 members of the Wangdue disaster awareness and planning team descended upon the village of Bajo. There they were met by the village community and, together, they drew.    [read more]

Mongar school goes golden
MONGAR SCHOOL FOUNDER – The late Babu Tashi, who started the institute on royal command of Late His Majesty

24 May, 2009 – One morning in 1959, a high ranked official (Khochi Neten) and his clerk from Mongar dzong came to Drepong village. They visited a house and talked with the head of the family. They were served with food and drinks.

A young boy listened to the conversation. Without understanding much, he left for the jungle to graze his cattle.    [read more]

A walk away from worldliness
24 May, 2009 – About 30 Bhutanese monks, studying in India, accompanied by 700 other pilgrims, started a 43-day pilgrimage walk today.

The walk, which began from Manali, India, will cover Himachal Pradesh, and finish at Hemis in Ladakh, covering a distance of some 400 km. The group will cross five high Himalayan passes, the highest of which, Shikunla and Singgela, both measure about 5,200 m above sea level.    [read more]

Observations from the Indian elections for Bhutan
OPINION24 May, 2009 – Congress led United Progressive Alliance made a thumping comeback with even more seats than in the last elections. So how will it affect Bhutan?

For Bhutan, the election results couldn’t have been better since it ensures a continuity in the Indian political leadership who committed the Nu 100b package and 10,000 MW.    [read more]

Electoral laws released
CEC Dasho Kunzang Wangdi and NA Speaker Jigme Tshultim at the ceremonial release

24 May, 2009 – Three electoral laws – Election Act, National Referendum Act and Public Election Fund Act – which were endorsed during the first parliament session, were released yesterday by the national assembly speaker Jigme Tshultim at the royal banquet hall.    [read more]

Elephant menaces Pana
24 May, 2009 – Farmers in Pana C village, Chukha, are spending sleepless nights after a wild elephant kept visiting their village, repeatedly damaging crops and houses.    [read more]

Stuttering start to new distribution system
Students use stools as tables in overcrowded classroom in WLSS

24 May, 2009 – The principal and teachers of Wangdue lower secondary school are worried. The midterm examination is around the corner, but the school does not have enough stationery.

The school has been facing a shortage of stationery, such as exercise books, administration registers, and even printing and duplication papers since the beginning of the academic year. “How are we going to print enough exam papers without the duplication papers?” said the principal, Sonam Dorji.    [read more]

Buddhist Answers

24 May, 2009 – As a Buddhist practitioner, I like attending teachings and try to bring them into my daily life. Is this not enough? Why do we also need to make merit?

For people with good karma, it is possible to attain enlightenment by just listening to the teachings. The Chinese Zen monk Hui Neng is a good example of this. He awoke merely upon overhearing someone chant the Diamond Sutra.    [read more]

Water shortage worsens S/J’s summers
Too little for too many: Residents wait for water in S J

24 May, 2009 – Two things that rise in summer at Samdrup Jongkhar are the temperature and water shortage.

This is a local riddle a few Samdrup Jongkharpas coined not so long ago. But nearly every resident knows it now because they go through it every summer.    [read more]

Lost in the dust
Bjemina Quarry Case 23 May, 2009 – In the ensuing controversy over the legality of the Bjemina quarry lease, the original issue of the negative affect of mining dust on the health, crops and general environment of the local community of Bjemina may have been ignored, say observers.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

The cult of shortcut
Bhutanese way or otherwise, there are at least two ways to do a task. One way is shortcut; the other is normal, designated way. The former is a personal course, the latter an official course. Because it runs its natural course, the latter has come to be casually and unnecessarily branded as a long, curvy [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Picture Story
   [read more]

Nu 49,000 on each head
Today, if every person in Bhutan was to share the government’s external debt, each would have to pay approximately Nu 49,000 while the per capita income is about Nu 75,000.
According to the Royal Monetary Authority, the total outstanding external debt of the government at the end of September last year was Nu 33283.44 million, which [...]    [read more]

Gaping, cracking, peeling structure
Barely one year after its construction, Changlingmithang stadium in Thimphu is beginning to fall apart.
In the underground structure, there are water leakages from four vertical gaps and one horizontal gap in the structure measuring 200 metres. As a result, the walls have developed cracks.
According to Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), some of whose federations are housed [...]    [read more]

PDP president reports CDG to ECB
The People’s Democratic Party President, Tshering Tobgay, reported to the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, that the constituency development grant violated several provisions of the constitution.
In his report, Tshering Tobgay wrote that the party had serious concerns over the government’s approval of the CDG.
“We believe that the grant may violate Article 24.1 of the [...]    [read more]

Fuel-less engine of growth?
The budget allocation for the human resource development in the private and corporate sectors leaves most of the private entrepreneurs dissatisfied.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) and the private sector’s eight-member HRD committee are currently working on a comprehensive HRD master plan that will lay down all training plans and activities for both [...]    [read more]

Ap Tsara speaks…
Wai! Two wrongs do not make a right. But many left turns do?
Post democracy, it seems to take many wrongs to tango . In the past, some influential big shots built attics in defiance of all building regulations. Over time, most buildings in Thimphu followed suit. Subsequently, the government legalized attics for lack of any [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 23 May 2009

May 23, 2009 - From

International Sources

Bhutan mulling Buddhism in colleges – Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutan is mulling to introduce Buddhism in colleges as it feels it is necessary for the education system of a country with a Buddhist culture. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in collaboration with the ‘dratshang’ or central monastic …    [read more]

The Bhutan Bangkok connection – e-Travel Blackboard
Discover the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Uma Paro’s full-service packages. Our expert team of English-speaking guides offer a variety of cultural and adventure itineraries, providing easy, intelligent access to the country and its …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold next SAARC Summit in April – Times of India
KATHMANDU: Basking in limelight last year when it held its first general elections, followed by the crowning of a new king, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will grab world attention once again in April when it hosts the 16th SAARC Summit. It will be …    [read more]

Two Tibetans arrested over March 2008 protests – AsiaNews.IT
They are guilty of having praised the Dalai Lama. Since March 2008 the Chinese police have been hunting out protesters non stop. The more fortunate succeed in fleeing to India after months on the run. Another monk is sentenced to life in prison …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold maiden SAARC summit in 2010 – Zee News
Thimphu, May 20: Bhutan which had skipped the opportunity to host the SAARC summit three times due to its poor infrastructure is all set to host next year’s two-day conference, which sees the convergence of all South Asian leaders. The 16th SAARC …    [read more]

West Bengal keen on setting up hydel project in Bhutan – Thaindian.com
Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) West Bengal is keen to take up a hydel power project in Bhutan and wants the central government’s help in this regard, a senior government official said here Wednesday. “We want to set up a project, with our own investment …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

Bhutan’s first SAARC summit – Kuensel Online
18 May, 2009 – Bhutan will be hosting in 2010 the South Asian association for regional cooperation (SAARC) summit for the first time since the regional body was created in 1985. “It will greatly enhance Bhutan’s international image as a sovereign …    [read more]

Pavan K Varma assumes charge as New Indian envoy to Bhutan – Hindustan Times
Writer-diplomat Pavan K Varma, an IFS officer who served in several key positions in India and abroad, has assumed charge as India’s new Ambassador to Bhutan. Varma, who was taken to Tashichhodzong palace here after a traditional ceremony, presented …    [read more]

Drug offenders grow in number – Kuensel Online
20 May, 2009 – Just as the season for marijuana plants gets underway in the country, the Thimphu dzongkhag court has sentenced a 25-year-old man to three months in prison for abusing and possessing marijuana products. His is just one case of an …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Lost in the dust
Bjemina Quarry Case 23 May, 2009 – In the ensuing controversy over the legality of the Bjemina quarry lease, the original issue of the negative affect of mining dust on the health, crops and general environment of the local community of Bjemina may have been ignored, say observers.    [read more]

Being their own boss

23 May, 2009 – At 23 and armed only with experience, Chuki Lham decided to start her own tailoring business last year.
Driven with passion and hope, Chuki, who never went to school, opened her tailoring shop that caters only to women. Today, Chuki has built her own clientele and is doing very well.
   [read more]

Reforming BOC
23 May, 2009 – There has been no clearer symbol of the failure of sports in Bhutan than its apex body – the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC). That the agency has lacked leadership, vision and initiative ever since it began 25 years ago is no secret.    [read more]

Shaman suicide
Religious difference rears its ugly head in Dagana

23 May, 2009 – A suicide case involving a family in Dagana has opened up fresh discussions among the public on just how conversion activities of Christians in the villages – among the illiterate and the poor – is going awry.

The finger is pointed, for now, on a national housing development corporation (NHDC) engineer Tendup Lepcha, 40 – a Christian pastor, who about two years ago, villagers say, converted a 45-year-old mother of Dzongsel village and her sons to Christianity. The father of the family, a Buddhist shaman, resisted conversion.    [read more]

Court justifies quarry reprieve
22 May, 2009 – The Singye-Bjemina quarry was allowed to reopen after the anti corruption commission (ACC) shut it down because ACC could not convince the court of any clear corruption to warrant its immediate closure, say high court drangpon Tshering Wangchuk.
   [read more]

25 years of under-achievement
22 May, 2009 – There was a lot of optimism when the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) was established in 1983.

It had taken on the mantle to promote and modernise sports in the then largely rural Bhutan, to develop Bhutanese athletes over the years, so that they could gather enough muscle, experience and exposure, to compete some day in regional and international games. Its job was also to establish sports infrastructure in the country, which was non-existent then.    [read more]

CDG: compromising free and fair elections?
22 May, 2009 – The election commission of Bhutan (ECB) received a formal complaint from the opposition leader Tshering Tobgay against the constituency development grant (CDG).
   [read more]

All entrants to be screened
As of May 19, 40 countries have officially reported 10,243 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 80 deaths

22 May, 2009 – With Swine Flu (influenza A H1N1) confirmed in India on May 16, the health ministry, officials say, is on its toes to prevent the deadly virus from entering the country.
   [read more]

Bhutan Telecom’s downsizing schemes
22 May, 2009 – In a corporate downsizing strategy, Bhutan Telecom (BT) has introduced two schemes to offload some of its employees.    [read more]

Bumthang’s new town takes shape
PHASE 1 COMPLETED- Two months hence these plots will sprout buildings

22 May, 2009 – The much-awaited Dekiling new town site in Bumthang is ready.
Six years after planners targeted to hand over plots to Bumthang businessmen, infrastructure like electricity, drainage, waste dumpyard, internal road network and bus terminal were completed for the centrally located town site in the first phase of the relocation project.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

The cult of shortcut
Bhutanese way or otherwise, there are at least two ways to do a task. One way is shortcut; the other is normal, designated way. The former is a personal course, the latter an official course. Because it runs its natural course, the latter has come to be casually and unnecessarily branded as a long, curvy [...]    [read more]


   [read more]

Picture Story
   [read more]

Nu 49,000 on each head
Today, if every person in Bhutan was to share the government’s external debt, each would have to pay approximately Nu 49,000 while the per capita income is about Nu 75,000.
According to the Royal Monetary Authority, the total outstanding external debt of the government at the end of September last year was Nu 33283.44 million, which [...]    [read more]

Gaping, cracking, peeling structure
Barely one year after its construction, Changlingmithang stadium in Thimphu is beginning to fall apart.
In the underground structure, there are water leakages from four vertical gaps and one horizontal gap in the structure measuring 200 metres. As a result, the walls have developed cracks.
According to Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), some of whose federations are housed [...]    [read more]

PDP president reports CDG to ECB
The People’s Democratic Party President, Tshering Tobgay, reported to the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, that the constituency development grant violated several provisions of the constitution.
In his report, Tshering Tobgay wrote that the party had serious concerns over the government’s approval of the CDG.
“We believe that the grant may violate Article 24.1 of the [...]    [read more]

Fuel-less engine of growth?
The budget allocation for the human resource development in the private and corporate sectors leaves most of the private entrepreneurs dissatisfied.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) and the private sector’s eight-member HRD committee are currently working on a comprehensive HRD master plan that will lay down all training plans and activities for both [...]    [read more]

Ap Tsara speaks…
Wai! Two wrongs do not make a right. But many left turns do?
Post democracy, it seems to take many wrongs to tango . In the past, some influential big shots built attics in defiance of all building regulations. Over time, most buildings in Thimphu followed suit. Subsequently, the government legalized attics for lack of any [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 22 May 2009

May 22, 2009 - From

International Sources

Robot therapy for isolated elderly – Silicon Republic
Robots: they’re usually either automated machines for mass manufacturing or quirky toys that amuse for a short while. But are there healthcare benefits to playing with robots? That would be a no to Transformers, but Paro, the robotic baby harp seal …    [read more]

The Bhutan Bangkok connection – e-Travel Blackboard
Discover the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Uma Paro’s full-service packages. Our expert team of English-speaking guides offer a variety of cultural and adventure itineraries, providing easy, intelligent access to the country and its …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold next SAARC Summit in April – Times of India
KATHMANDU: Basking in limelight last year when it held its first general elections, followed by the crowning of a new king, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will grab world attention once again in April when it hosts the 16th SAARC Summit. It will be …    [read more]

All entrants to be screened – Kuensel Online
22 May, 2009 – With Swine Flu (influenza A H1N1) confirmed in India on May 16, the health ministry, officials say, is on its toes to prevent the deadly virus from entering the country. “All passengers entering Bhutan from Paro airport are being …    [read more]

Bhutan to hold maiden SAARC summit in 2010 – Zee News
Thimphu, May 20: Bhutan which had skipped the opportunity to host the SAARC summit three times due to its poor infrastructure is all set to host next year’s two-day conference, which sees the convergence of all South Asian leaders. The 16th SAARC …    [read more]

Bhutan wants to host SAARC summit after Maldives backs out – Newstrack India
Dhaka, May 21 (IANS) Bhutan wants to host the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit next April 28-29 in Thimphu as the Maldives, which was to host it, has expressed its inability to arrange the gathering due to the …    [read more]

West Bengal keen on setting up hydel project in Bhutan – Thaindian.com
Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) West Bengal is keen to take up a hydel power project in Bhutan and wants the central government’s help in this regard, a senior government official said here Wednesday. “We want to set up a project, with our own investment …    [read more]

Bhutan Telecom’s downsizing schemes – Kuensel Online
22 May, 2009 – In a corporate downsizing strategy, Bhutan Telecom (BT) has introduced two schemes to offload some of its employees. The voluntary and compulsory retirement schemes will start from June 30. According to BT management, all employees …    [read more]

Pavan K Varma assumes charge as New Indian envoy to Bhutan – Hindustan Times
Writer-diplomat Pavan K Varma, an IFS officer who served in several key positions in India and abroad, has assumed charge as India’s new Ambassador to Bhutan. Varma, who was taken to Tashichhodzong palace here after a traditional ceremony, presented …    [read more]

Bhutan likely to host next SAARC summit – Mynews India
Earlier, the Maldives was to host it, but now it has expressed its inability to organise it due to economic recession. Member states host the SAARC summit in the alphabetic order. It is learnt that Bhutan has proposed to host the gathering on 22-27 …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Court justifies quarry reprieve
22 May, 2009 – The Singye-Bjemina quarry was allowed to reopen after the anti corruption commission (ACC) shut it down because ACC could not convince the court of any clear corruption to warrant its immediate closure, say high court drangpon Tshering Wangchuk.
   [read more]

25 years of under-achievement
22 May, 2009 – There was a lot of optimism when the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) was established in 1983.

It had taken on the mantle to promote and modernise sports in the then largely rural Bhutan, to develop Bhutanese athletes over the years, so that they could gather enough muscle, experience and exposure, to compete some day in regional and international games. Its job was also to establish sports infrastructure in the country, which was non-existent then.    [read more]

CDG: compromising free and fair elections?
22 May, 2009 – The election commission of Bhutan (ECB) received a formal complaint from the opposition leader Tshering Tobgay against the constituency development grant (CDG).
   [read more]

All entrants to be screened
As of May 19, 40 countries have officially reported 10,243 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 80 deaths

22 May, 2009 – With Swine Flu (influenza A H1N1) confirmed in India on May 16, the health ministry, officials say, is on its toes to prevent the deadly virus from entering the country.
   [read more]

Bhutan Telecom’s downsizing schemes
22 May, 2009 – In a corporate downsizing strategy, Bhutan Telecom (BT) has introduced two schemes to offload some of its employees.    [read more]

Bumthang’s new town takes shape
PHASE 1 COMPLETED- Two months hence these plots will sprout buildings

22 May, 2009 – The much-awaited Dekiling new town site in Bumthang is ready.
Six years after planners targeted to hand over plots to Bumthang businessmen, infrastructure like electricity, drainage, waste dumpyard, internal road network and bus terminal were completed for the centrally located town site in the first phase of the relocation project.
   [read more]

Tollgate contretemps in Tsirang
22 May, 2009 – Tsirang court sentenced a 31-year-old businessman to five months in prison for petty misdemeanour and giving false information to deceive the court and police.
   [read more]

Lhakhang ravaged by forest fire
22 May, 2009 – A forest fire that lasted almost three days razed the Tshodalam lhakhang in Zombe gewog, Punakha, to the ground. About 200 acres of chirpine forest were also damaged by the fire, which started on May 19 from Kilikhar village. The fire was extinguished only yesterday afternoon at around 3 pm.    [read more]

If price fixed, then no pork, say vendors
22 May, 2009 – As a response to the recent pricing by the meat price regulating committee, meat vendors in the capital say that they will stop importing pork.    [read more]

Letting the law take its course
22 May, 2009 – The former agriculture minister, Sangay Ngedup, claiming responsibility for granting the Bjemina mines lease during his tenure in government, adds a new dimension to the case between the anti corruption commission and the Singye group.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Fighting glacial lake floods
From Solution Exchange Bhutan, a UN online discussion forum
Query: Mitigating risk of glacial lake outburst flooding – experiences and examples
Summary of responses
Respondents highlighted that due to the remoteness of glacial lakes, mitigation efforts rely heavily on community participation and expressed concerned over the labour constraint faced during mitigation efforts, as communities are generally unaware of [...]    [read more]

New kidu comes
Who said kidu came only from the Golden Throne? Bhutanese people would never have dreamt that our police would be so liberal with a new type of kidu. This kidu has the same honourable ideal in that it is meant for the underprivileged. But it is purely monetary.
This kidu system operates on three salient principles. [...]    [read more]

The cult of shortcut
Bhutanese way or otherwise, there are at least two ways to do a task. One way is shortcut; the other is normal, designated way. The former is a personal course, the latter an official course. Because it runs its natural course, the latter has come to be casually and unnecessarily branded as a long, curvy [...]    [read more]


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Picture Story
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Nu 49,000 on each head
Today, if every person in Bhutan was to share the government’s external debt, each would have to pay approximately Nu 49,000 while the per capita income is about Nu 75,000.
According to the Royal Monetary Authority, the total outstanding external debt of the government at the end of September last year was Nu 33283.44 million, which [...]    [read more]

Gaping, cracking, peeling structure
Barely one year after its construction, Changlingmithang stadium in Thimphu is beginning to fall apart.
In the underground structure, there are water leakages from four vertical gaps and one horizontal gap in the structure measuring 200 metres. As a result, the walls have developed cracks.
According to Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), some of whose federations are housed [...]    [read more]

PDP president reports CDG to ECB
The People’s Democratic Party President, Tshering Tobgay, reported to the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, that the constituency development grant violated several provisions of the constitution.
In his report, Tshering Tobgay wrote that the party had serious concerns over the government’s approval of the CDG.
“We believe that the grant may violate Article 24.1 of the [...]    [read more]

Fuel-less engine of growth?
The budget allocation for the human resource development in the private and corporate sectors leaves most of the private entrepreneurs dissatisfied.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) and the private sector’s eight-member HRD committee are currently working on a comprehensive HRD master plan that will lay down all training plans and activities for both [...]    [read more]

Ap Tsara speaks…
Wai! Two wrongs do not make a right. But many left turns do?
Post democracy, it seems to take many wrongs to tango . In the past, some influential big shots built attics in defiance of all building regulations. Over time, most buildings in Thimphu followed suit. Subsequently, the government legalized attics for lack of any [...]    [read more]