Environmental policy and administrative management

Villages such as Yangmalashing and Mendrelgang (Kherebare) under Dechenling geog in Pemagatshel Dzongkhag face severe landslides since three decades ago. This became more severe after 2002 after the Dzongkhag was hit by major natural disaster. Moreover, these villages are located on steep slopes and farming on steep slopes has exacerbated the problems. Due to the severity of landslides and constant threat to the settlements of Yangmalashing and Mendrelgang, the government had a plan to relocate these villages in other parts of Bhutan under the RGOB s resettlement program. However, the people living in these villages consisting of 44 households were not willing to go for resettlement and therefore continue to face the problem as the landslides remain unabated. Standing efforts from the people in the area is required to protect from further damages to their land and livelihoods. The landslides are also a threat to their monastery (lhakhang) which is situated just above the landslide area. Owing to such challenges, this Tshokpa would like to initiate cultivation of bamboo, soil catching plants and easily growing fodder species in the area which has been thoroughly degraded to mitigate land degradation. The benefits derived from bamboo cultivations will be multiple. For instance Bamboo cultivation can play a major role in stabilization of the environment problems and avert landslides in the areas. The cultivation of bamboo as a wood substitute helps to offset depletion of the forest wood. Its rapid growth ensures an effective reconstruction of damaged eco-system and stabilization of the loose soil. Because of its wider spread root system and large canopy, bamboo greatly reduces rain run-off, prevents massive soil erosion and retains twice the amount of water required for other crops in the water table. It is a natural water control barrier.

Bhutan