Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Garbage piles in Kathmandu Valley rivers remain untouched despite years of cleanup campaigns



KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Valley’s rivers continue to remain burdened with massive piles of garbage, despite years of cleanup drives, awareness campaigns and government-led initiatives.

Even today, scenes of people dumping waste directly into the rivers are common. Plastics, household waste, construction debris and other materials cover both the river surface and its banks, forming thick layers of pollution.

Locals say that at times, dogs, birds, and even cattle are seen wandering among the garbage heaps, a stark reminder of how complicated and severe the situation has become.

With pollution rising every year, the water quality of the Valley’s rivers has continued to deteriorate, posing long-term risks to both environmental balance and public health. Environmentalists warn that unless stricter enforcement and sustainable waste-management systems are put in place, restoring the rivers to their natural state will remain a distant goal.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library

Publish Date : 12 December 2025 12:20 PM

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