KATHMANDU, JULY 17

The Kathmandu Valley again faces challenges for the waste management as locals of Kakani rural municipality in Nuwakot and Dhunibesi municipality in Dhading have obstructed the transportation of waste containers to Banchare Danda, the final landfill site.

The agitating locals have cited non-implementation of agreements reached with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City before this as the reason for their protest. They claim that despite signing an agreement a year ago, the Kathmandu Metropolis has failed to implement it. As a result, waste management from 18 local levels in the Kathmandu Valley has been disrupted.

Dhunibesi municipality ward no 1 Chair Man Bahadur Tamang said the waste disposal has been halted beginning today. 'It is not possible for humans to live together with waste. We demand either manage waste in other areas and relocate the locals. If the problem remains unaddressed, frequent obstructions in waste disposal are very likely.'

Following the locals' protests, around 50 waste containers were stopped in between Sisdole and Banchare Danda. The locals accused the Kathmandu Metropolis of cheating them in the name of agreements which also include the segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and manage just degradable waste there.

The agitating people have accused the metropolis of not implementing the agreement when one year has already elapsed since its signing.

However, KMC infrastructure advisor Sunil Lamsal said the waste management is taking place as per the agreement. 'The locals' main demand is for acquisition of 3,000 ropanis of land around the waste disposal site which is not something that the KMC can accomplish singlehandedly. The KMC is in touch with the federal government regarding the matter. '

Until last year, garbage collected from the 18 local levels in Kathmandu Valley was being managed at Sisdole. Then it was shifted to nearby Banchadare Danda landfill site bordering Nuwakot and Dhading districts.