Kathmandu: As the Bagmati River Cleanup Campaign reaches its 651st week, the Minister for Urban Development has announced a commitment to transform all major rivers in the capital city into pollution-free zones. Minister Kulman Ghising, speaking at an event organized by the High-Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization, emphasized the importance of sewage management and the development of water treatment facilities in necessary locations.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Ghising expressed the government’s dedication to ensuring the cleanliness of the Kathmandu Valley’s major rivers, including Rudramati, Bishnumati, and Manamati. He highlighted the cultural significance of the Bagmati civilization and the need for public awareness to combat river pollution. Minister Ghising also mentioned that a master plan is being formulated to enhance the beauty of Kathmandu City, incorporating activities along the river corridors.
Urban Development Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel praised the 13-year-long continuous efforts to clean the valley’s rivers, describing it as a significant achievement. Chief campaigner and former Chief Secretary Leelamani Paudyal highlighted that the cleanup campaign was initiated as a movement for national consciousness, but lamented the lack of attention from all governmental levels in maintaining clean rivers.
Mayors Upendra Karki of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality and Dipak Risal of Gokarneshwor Municipality advocated for a restructuring of the Committee to achieve better outcomes in the cleanup initiatives.