A campaign has been launched in Mustang to manage lead, metal, and plastic waste, aiming to restore the region’s pristine natural beauty. 

Local governments, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), mothers’ groups, and youth clubs have come together to tackle the growing issue of non-biodegradable waste in trekking routes and settlements.  

Pramod Raj Regmi, Chief of ACAP Jomsom, told state-owned news agency RSS that proper waste collection and management arrangements have been put in place. “The campaign was initiated in response to rising pollution in Mustang, which poses a serious threat to both human and animal health,” he said.  

To ensure proper disposal, ACAP has partnered with Pokhara-based Green Road Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. The collected waste is transported to the Pokhara Recycling Centre, with nearly two tonnes already sent recently.  

Earlier, on January 17, more than 1.2 tonnes of waste collected from Syangja and Thini in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality was transported to Pokhara for disposal. Plans are also underway to establish additional waste collection centers in Ghansa, Lete, and Lobang this year.  

Mohan Singh Lalchan, Chairperson of Gharapjhong, said the rural municipality has launched a drive to replace plastic bags with biodegradable alternatives as part of the broader waste management initiative.  

RSS