Kathmandu metropolis initiates river cleaning campaign

Kathmandu / June 23: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has started a significant river cleaning initiative. Fifty-five employees from the Department of Environment have started the campaign by cleaning the sewage flowing from Rudramati (Dhobikhola), Khahare, and Balaju areas in Kapan. Currently, the cleaning team is focusing on the Ichchumati (Tukucha) River.

The team has dedicated a week to cleaning the Ichchumati, which flows through the heart of the capital. According to the group’s supervisor, Sagar Luitel, Ichchumati contains more garbage than the other rivers they have cleaned.

The KMC is using specialized equipment to clean the Rudramati River. However, despite the initial efforts, garbage, including plastic waste, has begun to accumulate again in Rudramati.

Laxman Dhakal, a resident of Kapan, expressed his concerns, stating that the river, which appeared attractive immediately after the cleanup, has reverted to its dirty state. He pointed out that without consistent maintenance and follow-up measures, the cleanup efforts seem futile.

The KMC plans to extend its cleaning efforts to other rivers in the area. The direct discharge of sewage and garbage into the rivers within the metropolitan area has led to foul smells and an unpleasant environment, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk along the riverbanks without holding their noses.

Although the Bagmati cleanup campaign started on May 19, 2013, the river has not seen the expected improvements. Even after 580 weeks of continuous efforts, the Bagmati river’s condition remains largely unchanged. Similar conditions persist in other rivers and along the ring road of the valley despite ongoing cleanup initiatives.

There have been complaints that the local government has not adequately supported the community-driven cleanup campaigns. In response to these concerns, the KMC has now taken the initiative to clean the rivers directly.