STORIES FROM CORNERS

Learning from Samtengang Lake

September 25, 2025:One of the highlights of my academic work this semester was taking a group of both national and international students to Samtengang Lake in Nyisho Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang, for a field training on watershed classification and lake revival assessment. Samtengang Lake, once a thriving freshwater body, is now showing signs of ecological stress and drying, making it an ideal site to bridge classroom theory with real-world conservation challenges.

During the field visit, I guided the students through Bhutan’s watershed classification guidelines, allowing them to assess the condition of the watershed and the lake itself. The day’s activities included visual assessments of watershed indicators such as erosion, vegetation, and land use, alongside water quality testing for parameters like pH, turbidity, and salinity. Students also observed pollution sources and mapped the hydrological connections between the watershed and the lake system. These exercises gave them a first-hand understanding of how ecological health is measured, documented, and interpreted in Bhutan’s context.

For me, Samtengang Lake was not just a field site; it was a living classroom where future ecologists and environmental managers could practice critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Watching them piece together observations, data, and recommendations gave me confidence that these young minds are ready to take on the responsibility of conserving Bhutan’s watersheds and freshwater systems.

A Special Session with Youths on Freshwater Ecology

September 12, 2025: Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to train 38 student Eco-ambassadors and Focal Teachers from nine schools falling along the Pachhu river, ranging from primary to higher secondary levels. What made this experience even more memorable was the participation of five inspiring students from Wangsel Institute for the Deaf – proving once again that conservation knows no barriers.

These young Eco-ambassadors were given hands-on training on freshwater ecology and conservation, exploring our rivers, spring management, water sources, fish diversity, and the importance of protecting aquatic life. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm deeply inspired me.

The past weeks have been truly special. Within just span of a month, I had the chance to engage with both ends of the spectrum: from young schoolchildren taking their first steps in leadership to Members of Parliaments shaping national policy. It is a humbling reminder that environmental stewardship must begin early, while also being anchored in wise policymaking.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Principal of Drukgyel Central School for initiating this remarkable program, and to the focal teachers from all nine schools along the Pachu for their dedication. Gratitude to BES for organizing this jointly. Most importantly, I am grateful to the students, the true change-makers who remind us why we do what we do.

This journey has reaffirmed my belief that by nurturing awareness from classrooms to policy halls, we can create a stronger, more conscious society ready to care for our rivers and ecosystems. I look forward to continuing this journey with schools and communities to strengthen our bond with nature.

Policy Presentation for Cleaner Rivers in Bhutan to the Hon'ble Members of Parliament

August 26, 2025: I had the privilege of presenting our findings on freshwater ecology and aquatic health in the Wangchhu river, as part of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) initiative. This collaborative effort between theCollege of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan and the Bhutan Ecological Society aimed to assess the impact of pollution—especially plastic waste—on river ecosystems in Thimphu.

It was an honor to share this work with the Hon'ble Members of Parliament National Assembly of Bhutan whose engagement and support are deeply appreciated. We are especially grateful to the Bhutan Ecological Society for funding and facilitating this important project.

Project Summary: Freshwater Ecology and Aquatic Assessments in Thimphu

Scope: 12 streams in Thimphu assessed during pre- and post-monsoon seasons (2024).

Focus: Macroinvertebrate biodiversity, water quality, and microplastic pollution.

Key Findings:

1. Over 9,700 macroinvertebrates sampled; diversity dropped post-monsoon due to flash floods.

2. Pollution-tolerant species like Chironomus and Tubifex dominated in heavily polluted sites.

3. Microplastics (fibers, films, fragments, pellets) were found across all sites.

4. Water quality varied significantly.

Recommendations:

1. Strengthen waste management policies.

2. Engage communities in river clean-up and monitoring.

3. Restore habitats and promote sustainable water practices.

"Be the change—carry your own bag, skip the plastic, and protect our rivers and streams."