KATHMANDU, Nov 2: The government and agitating locals residing near the Banchare Danda landfill site have reached an agreement, paving the way for garbage trucks to resume waste disposal at the site.
Minister for Energy, Urban Development and Physical Infrastructure Kulman Ghising, who visited Bancharedanda — the primary landfill site for the Kathmandu Valley — agreed to address the long-standing grievances of local residents within 15 days.
The minister’s visit came after garbage collection across the Valley had been halted for nearly a week due to protests by locals from Kakani Rural Municipality, Dhunibesi Municipality, and Belkotgadhi Municipality. Residents had blocked access to the landfill, accusing authorities of failing to implement an 18-point agreement previously signed between Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and local communities.
Garbage disposal at Banchare Danda resumes under police protect...
Following discussions between the minister, local residents, and representatives from the affected municipalities, both sides reached an understanding to resume waste disposal operations. The ministry finalized a list of tasks to be completed within the 15-day period as part of the agreement.
The development effectively clears the main obstruction that had disrupted waste management across the Kathmandu Valley, which generates over 1,200 tonnes of garbage daily. KMC had earlier asked residents to store waste on their premises as garbage trucks had been barred from entering Banchare Danda.
The locals’ protest centered on the government’s failure to fulfil commitments made two years ago, including controlling odour, preventing leachate from polluting nearby streams, building necessary infrastructure, and supporting health and education initiatives in surrounding settlements. While the metropolis initially began some work after the agreement was signed, locals said most promises remained unimplemented.
With Sunday’s agreement, authorities expect garbage collection in Kathmandu and nearby cities to gradually return to normal in the coming days.
