Kathmandu— Residents living near the Banchare Danda landfill in Dhunibesi are increasingly burdened by waste originating from Kathmandu Valley, experiencing issues ranging from foul odors and water pollution to adverse health effects. The landfill receives a significant portion of waste generated within the valley – 48.8 percent from Kathmandu Metropolitan City alone – despite local governments being primarily responsible for waste management. A recent high-level meeting proposed decentralizing waste processing through recycling facilities, compost production, energy generation, and resource recovery technologies to alleviate the strain on Banchare Danda and improve conditions for affected communities.

Centralized System Creates Disparities

Currently, Kathmandu Valley relies heavily on Banchare Danda for waste management, despite local governments being responsible for handling their own refuse. Lalitpur contributes 10 percent of the landfill’s waste, while Budhanilkantha accounts for 5 percent. While the federal government has assisted with land acquisition and policy challenges, officials emphasize that this support should not excuse a lack of responsibility from local municipalities. The success of Kirtipur in planning its own system within six months and Dakshinkali's implementation of waste sorting demonstrates that political will can drive effective change.

Decentralization Requires Collaboration

While decentralizing waste management is seen as a key solution, authorities acknowledge that smaller municipalities may lack the necessary resources – including land, technology, expertise, and funding – to address the issue independently. The long-standing conflict surrounding Nepwaste highlights how institutional uncertainty can exacerbate problems, and any legal or logistical hurdles preventing local authorities from implementing solutions must be addressed promptly. Political interference and a tendency to avoid responsibility have significantly delayed progress.

Shifting Towards Sustainable Practices

Finding alternative dumping grounds is not a viable long-term solution; instead, prioritizing waste segregation and processing based on its composition is crucial. Composting organic waste, recycling materials, reusing resources, and generating energy from waste can substantially reduce the volume requiring disposal. Authorities aim to eliminate sending Valley waste to Banchare Danda within four years by promoting these practices alongside waste reduction, source segregation, reuse, and a circular economy.

Accountability and Transparency Needed

This ambitious goal requires concrete annual objectives, dedicated budgets, and transparent accountability measures. Residents surrounding the landfill have already borne significant consequences from the Valley’s waste management approach, and their well-being should not be sacrificed for urban convenience. Effective waste management demands collective responsibility – encompassing those who generate waste, municipalities responsible for its handling, and the government establishing supportive policies.

The success of these proposed changes hinges on consistent implementation and a commitment to shared responsibility among all stakeholders in Kathmandu Valley.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.