Stop Politicizing Waste Management

Waste management is a critical issue in Kathmandu. The federal capital has struggled for years to manage its waste effectively. Although various solutions have been explored over the years, the issue remains unresolved. At the heart of this issue remains the influence of vested interest groups and political interference. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balen Shah has publicly accused the federal government and certain vested interest groups of deliberately politicizing the waste management of Kathmandu Valley. He alleged that the federal government, instead of helping their initiatives, has been obstructing their efforts to find a sustainable solution to the problem. Locals in Sisdole and Banchare Danda—two landfill sites—have been obstructing waste disposal almost every year, demanding effective management of waste. This is likely to recur even this year as efforts to resolve the waste management issue in a sustainable manner have failed to make any headway. It is time for all concerned stakeholders to work together to find a sustainable solution to the problem, setting aside their differences and partisan interests.

Waste management should not be a political issue. If Mayor Shah’s allegations are true, the political agendas of certain parties have turned this fundamental civic service into a matter of political gain or loss. The consequences of these vested political interests do not just leave the streets dirty but also pose risks to human health and the overall environment. Mayor Shah said his office has made several efforts to ensure proper management of waste generated from the Kathmandu Valley in the two landfill sites in Sisdole and Banchare Danda. His office studied waste management models from cities around the world to learn successful waste management practices. Although KMC began implementing pilot projects, starting with the segregation and composting of organic waste, this initiative also faced obstacles. It is concerning to note, according to Mayor Shah, that one private company called NepWaste Private Limited, with the backing of powerful politicians, has consistently tried to monopolize the waste management of Kathmandu Valley. The metropolis has repeatedly faced legal battles with such companies. Mayor Shah further alleged that the federal government has also repeatedly obstructed their initiatives, making it difficult to find sustainable solutions to the problem.

Waste management is a basic public service. As this is also linked with the health of the public, this issue should not be held hostage by political parties, private companies, or the federal or provincial government. People will continue to suffer as long as political parties and other actors make this a political agenda. As a newspaper, we urge all stakeholders concerned to refrain from turning waste management into a political agenda for their vested interest. The sustainable solution to waste is a matter of the rights of the people. It is about justice for the victims of places like Sisdol and Banchare Danda, where waste has been piled up for years. This is also an issue connected to the livelihoods of thousands and the pride of the entire nation. It is time to depoliticize waste management and work together to find a sustainable solution to this issue. This requires all stakeholders to put aside their differences and extend all possible support to the initiative taken by the metropolis. In addition to all major political parties working together on this issue, all municipalities within Kathmandu Valley must also join hands to find a lasting solution to the problem. A cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Kathmandu Valley is in the interests of everyone.