Contamination and Impact

Mines

In 2007, the Kingdom of Bhutan reported that it had laid a total of 103 antipersonnel mines in two locations on its side of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which straddles the border with India. These included 62 antipersonnel mines laid on tracks that Bhutan said led to an insurgent camp in the Gorbakunda area, and 41 antipersonnel mines laid on tracks that it stated led to camps of Indian insurgents in Nganglam sub-district.[1] Bhutan reported it had cleared all mined areas in May 2013 and formally declared completion of its Article 5 clearance obligations at the Thirteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty on 4 December 2013.[2]

Cluster munition remnants

Bhutan is not believed to be contaminated with cluster munition remnants.

Mine Action Program

There was no formal mine action program in Bhutan. Clearance was conducted by the army.[3]

Land Release

From 2005–2012, Bhutan cleared 35,390m² of contaminated area in three locations, finding 318 antipersonnel mines and five antivehicle mines.[4] In 2013, Bhutan cleared the last of its mined areas, located in Gorbakunda, destroying 62 mines in the process.[5]

Mined areas cleared in Bhutan: 2005–2013

Article 5 Compliance

Under Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty, Bhutan is required to destroy all antipersonnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, but not later than 1 February 2016.

At the Mine Ban Treaty Standing Committee on Mine Clearance on 27 May 2013, Bhutan reported it had cleared all mined areas.[6] On 4 December 2013 at the Thirteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, Bhutan subsequently made an official declaration of completion of its Article 5 obligations,  more than two years ahead of schedule. [7]