Communities in Bhutan have cleaned up their streets to mark the coronation of their new King. The campaign hopes to encourage people to adopt good sanitation practices.

Born on 21 February 1980, the new King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is the world's youngest head of state. He has been King since December 2006, when he took over from his father, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, but he was given a grand coronation on 6-8 November 2008.

On 28 October 2008, local people in Trashigang municipal area closed shops and offices and formed groups to clear drains, pick up garbage and cut overgrown vegetation. They swept and cleaned up the entire town in just over three hours. The dzongda (district officer) of Trashigang, Dorji Norbu said cleaning up the town was a fitting way to celebrate the centenary of the Wangchuck dynasty and the coronation of the King. 'We can't all go to the celebrations in Thimphu,' he said. 'But we can celebrate in our own small way here.' The dzongda added that the campaign would help pass on the message about good sanitation and hygiene to the people.

Similar campaigns were carried out in other communities across the country.

Related news: Bhutan: 'toilet revolution' has not led to high use, Source South Asia, 02 Sep 2008

Web site:Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (Wikipedia)

Source: Tshering Palden, Kuensel Onlne, 30 Oct 2008

Tags: solid waste management, south asia