Residents of Banchare Danda in Nuwakot district have declared that they will no longer permit the disposal of Kathmandu Valley’s waste at the landfill site located there.
Frustrated by the government’s and Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s (KMC) alleged inability to follow previously agreed-upon agreements, people have decided to launch a peaceful protest and have declared their intention to block additional waste dumping at the landfill site in their village.
During a press conference organized by a committee established by the Banchare Danda residents at the landfill site area, they issued a warning that if a sustainable waste management plan for the unattended landfill site is not implemented to safeguard the local residents’ well-being, they will commence a peaceful protest starting on September 18.
Shreeram Dungana, coordinator of the committee, criticized the government for not guaranteeing citizens’ right to live in a clean environment. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived disregard exhibited by the KMC regarding the concerns of the locals affected by the landfill site.
Hari Lama, one of the affected locals, expressed his regret that he was forced to protest due to the government’s indifference towards the concerns of the affected residents.
Similarly, Sumitra Dhakal, Deputy Coordinator of the Committee, suggested relocating the human settlement from the affected area. She recommended that waste management be handled at the local level, where the waste is generated.
Chuyame Tamang, Acting Chairperson of Kakani Rural Municipality Ward No. 2, appealed to the KMC to avoid creating circumstances that lead affected locals to protest in order to protect their lives.
The affected residents are demanding the establishment of a Waste Development Authority under the office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. They are also urging the designation of the impacted area as a highly sensitive zone.
Source: Rastriya Samachar Samiti