KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a significant river cleaning campaign with the involvement of fifty-five employees from the Department of Environment. The initiative started by addressing sewage issues in the Rudramati (Dhobikhola), Khahare, and Balaju areas of Kapan. Currently, the focus of the cleaning effort is on the Ichchumati (Tukucha) River, which runs through the central parts of the capital city. Supervisor Sagar Luitel mentioned that Ichchumati has accumulated more garbage compared to other rivers previously cleaned by their team.

The cleaning team has allocated a week to tackle the Ichchumati River, employing specialized equipment. Despite these efforts, challenges persist as garbage, particularly plastic waste, has already begun to build up again in the Rudramati River. Local resident Laxman Dhakal expressed disappointment, observing that the initial cleanliness of the river quickly regressed without consistent maintenance and follow-up strategies.

KMC intends to expand its river cleaning activities to cover other water bodies in the metropolitan area. The indiscriminate dumping of sewage and waste into these rivers has not only caused foul odors but has also made it unpleasant for pedestrians along the riverbanks. This situation underscores the ongoing struggle despite previous cleanup initiatives, including the long-standing Bagmati cleanup campaign that has spanned over 580 weeks without achieving the desired improvements.

Criticism has been leveled at the local government for insufficiently supporting community-led cleanup drives. In response, KMC has taken a direct approach to address river pollution, aiming to make sustained improvements in the cleanliness and environmental quality of Kathmandu's rivers.