KATHMANDU: Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has announced that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget prioritizes the cleaning of rivers in the Kathmandu Valley and the upgrading of corridor roads.
Speaking at a tree plantation program organized by the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority at the Bagmati Corridor in Gokarneshwor-5 today, Minister Singh said the Ministry of Urban Development has allocated Rs 3.42 billion for the river cleanup initiative, including the Bagmati River.
Emphasizing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, Minister Singh highlighted the importance of community involvement in preserving nature.
He expressed commitment to keeping the Bagmati clean and flowing, adding that efforts are underway to make all major rivers in the Valley—including the Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Dhobi Khola—free from sewage and waste.
“The government formulates the necessary policies, but it is ultimately the local community that must take ownership of protecting trees and preventing the dumping of waste into rivers,” he said.
Gokarneshwor Mayor Deepak Risal thanked Deputy Prime Minister Singh, noting that over Rs 400 million has been allocated for development projects in the municipality through the Ministry.
Similarly, Member of Parliament Santosh Chalise stated that this year’s budget has given priority to several key projects in the Valley.
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