October 26: Very soon, if you are caught littering, or dumping waste in public places such as roads, sidewalks or the streets of Thimphu, you will end up paying Nu. 500 as fine.

For dumping large quantities of domestic, industrial, or commercial waste in areas other than designated facilities, you could be fined Nu. 5000. Displaying of good on the streets will invite a fine of Nu. 1000.

These are according to the Thimphu Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules and Regulations which was launched yesterday.

It was launched by the Prime Minister Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji. He said waste management is a growing problem in almost all the urban areas. In the capital city, the increase in the population and rapid socio economic development including the increasing construction work is aggravating the problem of waste disposal.

The Prime Minister pointed out that irresponsibility and lack of civic sense is also contributing to the problem.

According to Hemraj Chhetri who looks after waste management section of the Thimphu City Corporation, the rules and regulations will not come into force immediately. He said the rules and regulations will be implemented only after the public is notified.

The solid waste management rules and regulations is expected to help tackle the growing waste disposal problem in the capital.