KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 19
Containers transporting waste from the Kathmandu Valley were turned back by locals before they could dispose of the refuse, once again disrupting waste management operations at Bancharedanda, located along the border of Kakani in Nuwakot and Dhunbesi in Dhading.
The locals have demanded the full implementation of the previous agreement reached with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, emphasizing scientific and systematic waste management as one of their primary concerns.
In early November, they had declared an indefinite obstruction of garbage disposal. The protest was later withdrawn after Minister for Urban Development Kulman Ghising assured them that their concerns would be addressed. However, the commitments-expected to be fulfilled within 15 days-remain unimplemented, prompting residents to resume their protest.
Directly affected residents of Kakani Wards 1, 2, and 3, and Dhunbesi Municipality Wards 1 and 3 gathered in large numbers along the Kundule, Sisdole, and Dhande road sections, turning back the waste-carrying trucks.
They have called for the enforcement of the 18-point agreement reached on June 9, 2022, concerning the disposal of Kathmandu Valley's waste at the Sisdole–Bancharedanda–Kundule landfill site.
Their demands include restricting waste disposal to nighttime, mitigating foul odors, ensuring that vehicles transporting waste do not leak leachate, and preventing leachate from polluting nearby rivers through proper scientific management.
Residents have complained that the failure to implement the agreement has severely deteriorated their living conditions. They reported a rise in infectious diseases and said their daily lives have been significantly disrupted.
The locals have sought renewed ministerial-level assurances to address their grievances. Elected representatives from Kakani and Belkotgadhi in Nuwakot, as well as Dhunbesi in Dhading, have expressed solidarity with the locals' peaceful demonstrations.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)
