Kathmandu: Residents of Banchare Danda in Nuwakot district have issued a statement declaring their decision to prohibit the disposal of garbage from the Kathmandu Valley in their landfill site.

Expressing their discontent with the government's and Kathmandu Metropolitan City's (KMC) failure to implement previously agreed-upon arrangements, the locals have decided to initiate a peaceful protest and prevent the dumping of waste in their community's landfill.

During a press conference organized by a committee representing the Banchare Danda residents at the landfill site area, the community members conveyed their intention to launch a peaceful protest starting September 18. They stressed that their aim is to demand the implementation of a sustainable waste management plan at the landfill site, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the local residents.

The committee's coordinator, Shreeram Dhungana, criticized the government's failure to uphold citizens' right to a clean environment. He also expressed disappointment with the KMC's treatment of the affected local community in relation to the landfill site.

Hari Lama, an affected resident, expressed his frustration over the government's lack of concern for the well-being of those impacted by the landfill.

Sumitra Dhakal, Deputy Coordinator of the committee, proposed that the human settlement in the affected area be relocated. She also suggested that waste management should be conducted at the local level where the waste originates.

Chuyame Tamang, Acting Chairperson of Kakani Rural Municipality Ward No. 2, called upon the KMC to prevent circumstances that might lead to the affected locals protesting for the sake of their safety.

The affected residents are demanding the establishment of a Waste Development Authority under the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' office and the designation of the affected area as a highly sensitive zone.