POKHARA: A new campaign has been launched in Mustang to manage non-biodegradable waste, including plastic, metal, and lead, in a bid to preserve the region’s pristine environment and reduce pollution.
The initiative, led by local authorities, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Mothers’ Groups, and Youth Clubs, aims to tackle growing environmental concerns by collecting waste from trekking routes and settlements and managing it in designated areas.
Chief of ACAP Jomsom, Pramod Raj Regmi, highlighted the urgency of the campaign, stating, “The increasing pollution in Mustang poses a serious threat to human health, as well as to domestic and wild animals.”
To ensure effective waste management, ACAP has partnered with Green Road Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. in Pokhara. The collected non-biodegradable waste is being transported to the Pokhara Recycling Centre for proper disposal.
According to ACAP, a total of 1,986 kilograms of non-biodegradable waste was recently sent to Pokhara for recycling. Earlier, on January 17, 1,238 kilograms of waste collected from Syang and Thini of Gharpajhong were also sent for disposal.
In addition, preparations are underway to establish more garbage collection centers at Ghansa, Lete, and Lobang this year.
Chairperson of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, Mohan Singh Lalchan, shared that the municipality has also launched an initiative to promote fabric bags as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags, aiming to further reduce plastic waste in the region.
The campaign has been welcomed by local communities and environmental activists, who hope it will help maintain Mustang’s natural beauty while addressing the growing waste management challenges.
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