KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 6
In recognition of World Cleanup Day on September 20 and World River Day on September 21, communities across Nepal participated in a week-long River Cleanup Campaign.
This initiative brought together local residents, youth groups, and esteemed guests to address river pollution and promote environmental awareness. The campaign fostered a spirit of collaboration and commitment to safeguarding our waterways, with significant cleanup activities taking place in Lalitpur, Hetauda, Bharatpur, Ichchakamana, and Gajuri.
This week, on the 28th and 29th (12th and 13th Ashoj), the overflowing Bagmati River caused significant damage to property. As the waters receded, they revealed the plastic waste and debris that had built up, prompting us to reflect on our daily lives and environmental responsibilities. As the waters receded, they exposed the plastic waste and debris that had accumulated, prompting critical reflections on our daily lives and environmental responsibilities. Plastics are now visible throughout the parks and corridors along the riverbanks, with similar situations reported at Saptakoshi, where plastic bottles are caught in the dam. Tragically, the recent floods and landslides have resulted in the loss of over 236 lives, including 40 heartbreaking fatalities in Lalitpur.
Throughout the cleanup campaign, participants engaged in hands-on activities, successfully collecting over 1,500 kg of waste. In Lalitpur alone, 900 kg was removed by 74 volunteers, while Hetauda contributed 208.847 kg from 44 participants. Bharatpur collected 160.475 kg with 39 volunteers, Ichchakamana gathered 118 kg with 24 participants, Gajuri removed 105.5 kg with 38 participants, and in Botey Community removed 45.4kg with 79 participants. The involvement of local leaders, including Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya in Lalitpur, underscored the importance of community engagement in restoring our vital waterways.
This initiative also prioritized youth empowerment through the VFC (Volunteer for Change) Youth Cohort program, a project driven by CREASION aimed at enhancing plastic waste collection and recycling efforts. Following an intensive training program, 12 outstanding youths were selected from 187 applicants to lead advocacy and awareness initiatives, equipped with the skills necessary to promote sustainable practices within their communities.
Grants were allocated to support their activities, ensuring these efforts lead to meaningful change.
The River Cleanup Campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of collective action, especially in light of recent flooding events. Participants were motivated to take ownership of their local environments, addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution in our rivers and communities.
