On 20 August 2024, the Environment and Climate Change Committee invited the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources for a stakeholder consultation to discuss issues concerning Waste Management, Environment Impact Assessment, Carbon market and the Possibility of Establishment of University on Environment and Climate Change at the Ga-Kyid Khangzang of the National Assembly. 

The Director of the DECC, Mr. Sonam Tashi, and his team presented on environmental and social issues, including environmental policies, carbon trading mechanisms (funding), project environmental clearance, and future strategies. The presentation focused on gaining a deeper understanding of these issues and challenges, identifying solutions for effective public service delivery, and socio-economic progress.

The presentation was followed by recommendations on simplification and reducing turn around time for environmental clearance projects and interventions required by the Environment and Climate Change Committee of the National Assembly of Bhutan.

During the discussion, members emphasized the need to balance economic development with environmental protection, acknowledging the importance of adapting to the modern world while safeguarding the environment. They also explored new programs for waste management and the establishment of a university dedicated solely to environment and climate change. The ECCC asked the DECC to provide a way forward for the effective public service delivery and socio-economic development in a written form so that the Committee can provide legislative support.