Fuelwood consumption in Bhutan has gone up drastically. A report 'Fuel-wood consumption in Bhutan and Alternative Energy Source' shows that fuelwood consumption in the country has increased by 20 per cent since 1995 and is projected to increase to 23 per cent by the year 2010. The main users of fuelwood are monasteries, security forces and schools, which still use the traditional open-hearth stoves. "In the rural areas alone, about 75,000 trees are cut to meet energy demands," said Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, the country's agriculture minister. If action is not taken immediately, the country's forest will diminish rapidly.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.