KATHMANDU: A high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Urban Development on Sunday sought collaborative solutions to tackle the persistent waste management issues in the Kathmandu Valley.
The High-Level Committee on Facilitating, Coordinating, and Monitoring Operations at the Bancharedanda Sanitary Landfill Site deliberated on measures to address the region’s growing waste crisis.
This committee, formed by the Government of Nepal’s Council of Ministers on March 10, 2022, is tasked with overseeing and improving waste management operations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister, Prakash Man Singh, highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including federal, provincial, and local governments, to resolve the challenges in managing solid waste.
“Proper classification, segregation, and recycling of waste are essential, and all stakeholders must adhere to waste management criteria. The Ministry is committed to providing the necessary support and coordination for sustainable solutions,” said Singh.
He also acknowledged the grievances of communities residing near the Bancharedanda landfill site and suggested that alternatives and solutions to their demands should be explored.
Ministry Secretary Maniram Gelal revealed that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) will take a leading role in managing the Valley’s waste.
Among the key decisions made during the meeting were the construction of an alternative route for waste transportation, clarification on land acquisition at the landfill site, and initiatives to convert biodegradable waste within the Valley into fertilizer.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of addressing the concerns of locals near the landfill site, whom stakeholders acknowledged as having “justified” demands.
Representatives attending the meeting included Raj Kumar Shrestha, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Bharatmani Subedi from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, and Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City and President of the Valley Mayors’ Forum.
Mayors and administrative officers from various municipalities in the Valley also participated.
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