KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 8

The Volunteer for Change (VFC) Youth Cohort of Lalitpur led the final river clean-up campaign under Project CAP in collaboration with the Nepali Army, which cleaned and collected 1,120 kilograms of waste, making a significant impact at the Bagmati River in Bungamati on Saturday.

A total of 75 participants, including 22 Nepali Army personnel, four Armed Police Force (APF) officers, and volunteers from Rotary Club Balaju, came together in a clean-up campaign organised by CREASION Nepal, resulting in the collection of a staggering 1,120 kilograms of waste.

Supported by Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers of Nepal), this campaign aimed to address plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.

'River clean-ups are a way of changing our behaviour in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste we throw into the river,' said Sujata Koirala, Project CAP focal person and general secretary of CREASION.

'Plastic waste has stood as a problem in flood-affected regions, particularly after devastating flooding following incessant downpour in October. Nature is clearly giving it back, reflecting on how it should be properly managed. Thus, we have completed 13 clean-ups in total through Project CAP across Nepal.'

The project, funded by the PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia) Project, is implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, supported by the World Bank, and with implementing assistance from UNOPS.

The VFC Youth Cohort, trained under Project CAP, took the lead in organising the event, demonstrating the power of youth in driving environmental action. The presence of Jamadar Ishwari P. Bhattarai from the Nepali Army underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative, bringing together diverse groups to combat plastic waste effectively.

'This cleanup wasn't just about removing waste from the riverbanks; it was about fostering community action and inspiring others to carry forward the mission of sustainability,' shared a representative from the youth cohort.

While this marks the final river clean-up under the project, Project CAP's broader initiatives continue, focusing on empowering communities, fostering environmental stewardship, and preventing plastic pollution at its source. By tackling waste at critical points, the project ensures that Nepal's rivers remain cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant.

Participants reflected on their shared efforts; the event became a testament to the enduring impact of collective action and community-led initiatives.

The Bagmati River Clean-Up Campaign serves as a strong reminder of the power of collaboration in building a sustainable future.