Negotiations between locals and govt over landfill site end inconclusively, thanks to KMC representative

Published On: July 19, 2023 05:01 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, July 19: The three-day long meeting between the Ministry of Urban Development and the affected locals of the Sisdol Landfill Site area in the Kathmandu Valley ended inconclusively. The discussions, initiated by Urban Development Minister Sita Gurung, aimed to address the waste management concerns raised by the local residents.

The meeting brought together representatives from Kakani Rural Municipality, Nuwakot, ward chairman, and concerned residents along with Minister Sita Gurung. However, the absence of a representative from Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) hindered the possibility of reaching a consensus.

Landfill site chief Rabindra Bohora stated that due to the non-participation of KMC representatives, it was not possible to reach a conclusive decision from the discussions. Bohora assured the attendees that he would engage in further discussions with KMC to find a solution.

The landfill site in Banchare Danda has been causing distress among the local residents as the stench from the waste has been spreading for the past few days. In response, the affected residents have been obstructing garbage vehicles. They demand immediate waste management and an effective solution to minimize the stench.

The discussions during the meeting were focused on finding immediate ways to manage the waste in Banchare Danda and mitigate the foul odor caused by the waste. However, no concrete solutions were achieved during the preliminary discussions.

Dhanraj Bajgain, Ward Chairman of Kakani Rural Municipality-3, emphasized the need for further deliberations with all relevant stakeholders, including 17 local levels, including the KMC, which is scheduled for the following Sunday. Only after these discussions can a definitive decision on waste management be expected.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Urban Development has made a commitment to address the issue of haphazardly thrown waste promptly. They have assured the locals that immediate actions will be taken to manage the waste effectively. In the meantime, the locals have warned of not allowing further waste to be sent to the landfill site until the issue is properly addressed.