Kathmandu, April 5 — The Bagmati Cleaning Campaign has achieved a historic milestone, completing 621 consecutive weeks of environmental activism aimed at restoring the sacred Bagmati River. Over the past 12 years, more than 21,000 metric tons of waste have been removed through the unwavering dedication of over 1.5 million volunteers, including the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and numerous community groups.
What began as a local initiative has now spread to 20 cleanup sites within the Kathmandu Valley and over 100 locations across Nepal. Despite this remarkable progress, campaigners stress the urgent need for stronger support from local governments to maintain momentum and improve long-term sustainability.
As the campaign nears its 13th anniversary, it continues to grapple with significant challenges such as untreated sewage, hazardous waste disposal, and rapid urbanization—threats that not only harm the river’s ecosystem but also endanger nearby cultural heritage sites.
The Bagmati Cleaning Campaign stands as a powerful example of collective civic responsibility. However, continued success will depend on deeper collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, and communities to protect and revive one of Nepal’s most vital natural and cultural lifelines.
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