The Bagmati Cleaning Campaign has proudly reached its 610th week, marking over a decade of dedicated efforts to restore the Bagmati River, a vital waterway in the Kathmandu Valley. This significant milestone is being celebrated with public awareness activities aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and fostering community involvement across various locations.
Since its inception, the campaign has successfully removed over 21,000 metric tons of waste from the river, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 1.5 million volunteers. This diverse group includes members of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police, and numerous community organizations, all united in their commitment to restoring the river’s health.
Inspired by the Bagmati Initiative, clean-up campaigns are currently underway in 20 locations across the Kathmandu Valley, with additional efforts ongoing in over a hundred locations outside the region. However, campaigners have urged local governments to provide greater support to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives and sustain their momentum.
As the campaign prepares to enter its 13th year, it faces ongoing challenges. The Bagmati River, originating from Shivapuri Hill, has been severely polluted for decades due to untreated sewage, hazardous waste disposal, and unchecked urbanization. The purity of its waters has been compromised, affecting not only the river’s ecosystem but also the cultural heritage sites along its banks, including the revered Pashupatinath Temple.
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