Kathmandu, January 11:

A three-day interaction conference titled “For a better tomorrow: Sustainable solid waste management in developing countries” kicked off today.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr Shankar Sharma, vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission, said that the conference will help find solutions to the longstanding problem of managing solid waste in Nepal. He also expressed the belief that such a conference would help create awareness not only among intellectuals, but also among locals.

Surya Man Shakya, acting dean, Schems, Pokhara University, said locals should acquaint themselves about the management of solid waste in their own area. Highlighting the activities carried out at Local Pauwa project, he stressed locals should hold themselves responsible for managing solid waste.

Suresh Raj Sharma, vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University said: “Suitable rules have been developed in developed countries and they have been implemented, too. But, laws and policies are not seriously implemented in Nepal.” The conference, organised by Kathmandu University and Development Network Pvt Ltd, will be attended by 300 persons hailing from different 17 countries. Birendra Raut of the media centre of the conference, said the purpose of is to share how each country is managing solid waste.