Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 4

The involvement of the local community in improving the environment has yielded favourable results in some areas of the capital. The community acting at a macro level has proved to be a principal catalyst in triggering changes after being provided guidance and impetus by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).

Community Mobilisation Unit (CMU) was established within the Environment Department of the KMC to instill responsibility among the locals, to bring about attitudinal changes and to boost local initiatives for reducing waste at source or recycling. It provided comprehensive training regarding waste management and producing compost from vegetables and domestic waste with the demonstration of compost bins.

Selling recyclable or inorganic waste to the recycling centres or scrap dealers and producing compost either to be sold or to be used in their own gardens was encouraged. Although the initial support and interest of the target groups was daunting, the campaign saw a breakthrough after the response from the Balaju-16 Women Uplifting Association.

Sanu Maiya Maharjan, assistant coordinator of the CMU said, "The keen interest of the locals, especially housewives, is astounding. The realisation that commitment can foster a healthy environment has dawned on them." She added that the idea that the government alone cannot accomplish the tremendous task and the awareness that policies per se will not bring about sweeping changes unless the citizens realise their responsibility.