KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced a crackdown on littering in public spaces, with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 for offenders.
The decision comes as part of an effort to address the increasing concerns over public health and environmental cleanliness.
According to Sarita Rai, Head of the KMC Environment Department, the new policy will target individuals who dispose of waste improperly, including dumping garbage from households and compounds onto roads, footpaths, and other public places.
“Littering indiscriminately creates foul smells and significantly impacts the public health of citizens,” Rai said.
The KMC has clarified that enforcement will be in accordance with Section (f) of the KMC Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Act, 2020. The KMC monitoring team will be taking strict action against those who ignore warnings and continue to litter.
In addition to its focus on littering, the KMC is rolling out a new waste management initiative. The KMC plans to identify six key areas in all 32 wards to make waste management more efficient.
Sarita Rai explained that one transfer station will be set up in each of these areas, with waste transported to the Bancharedanda landfill site for final disposal.
This initiative is part of KMC’s ongoing efforts to ensure waste is classified at the source, as stipulated by the Solid Waste Management Act, 2011, and the KMC Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Act, 2020. Currently, waste classification is being practiced in Wards No. 5, 10, 24, 25, 26, and 27, with plans to expand the practice to other wards soon.
KMC’s new approach aims to address the 1,600 metric tons of waste generated daily in the Kathmandu Valley. Previously managed at Sisdol, waste is now being directed to Bancharedanda after Sisdol reached its capacity. The KMC is committed to improving waste management and cleanliness across the city.
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