Pokhara Metropolis Begins Dumping Accumulated Garbage in Ward 21 Amidst Political Opposition

Pokhara. After accumulating on the streets for a month, the metropolis began filling the garbage in a pit dug in Pokhara Ward 21 starting Thursday. While working on both short-term and long-term alternatives, the metropolis has started filling the garbage temporarily at Khasghari in Duwar Tole.

However, the CPN-UML Ward 21 has protested, alleging that the metropolis has gambled with public health by making an impractical decision. Issuing a press release, the ward expressed disagreement with the preparation to establish a dumping site in the name of waste management within the ward's geographical boundaries.

CPN-UML Ward Chairman Rajendra Bahadur Thapa said, 'It is not just, practical, or scientific to bring and pile up the garbage from all 33 wards of the metropolis into a single ward.' He stated that rushing the decision while ignoring the environmental impact assessment, public health sensitivity, and long-term environmental effects is an irresponsible act by the metropolis.

The CPN-UML argues that the area where garbage is currently being dumped is a sensitive zone in terms of natural resources, arable land, and settlements. A public appeal has been made to immediately halt the decision to dump garbage and consult with stakeholders. CPN-UML has warned of launching protests to protect the rights of the local people if their demands are not heard.

The metropolis stated that management has begun using the method of digging and filling a pit on government land above Dobilla Ghat for the immediate term. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said, 'The environmental study assessment for the temporary landfill site is in the final stage. Since the site will be moved from this location in a few days, only temporary management is being done in the Dobilla Ghat area.'

He urged all parties not to obstruct and requested coordination. 'We request everyone not to engage in obstructing the road or using women and children to block the way, which has been observed since last evening,' he said. 'Be reminded that obstructing movement is an act against the law. We expect cooperation and facilitation from everyone.'