Waste processing centre to be built in Gharpajhong

By Harikrishna Sharma,Muktinath (Mustang), Mar. 11: Gharpajhong Rural Municipality in Mustang is set to establish a waste collection and management centre to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

In partnership with the Gandaki Provincial Government, the rural municipality will build a waste processing centre equipped with modern facilities in Jomsom, the district headquarters and a waste collection centre in Marpha at Rs. 12 million.

Chairman of the rural municipality, Mohan Singh Lalchan, said that Rs. 8.4 million has been allocated by the Gandaki Provincial Government and Rs. 3.6 million by the rural municipality to implement the project. 

The initiative aims to maintain a clean and attractive Gharpajhong as waste management has become increasingly challenging with the growing number of tourists.

“We have launched this project not only for waste management but also to generate income from waste. We are also planning to purchase vehicles to collect waste after it is separated at the household level,” Lalchan said.

A van will be purchased with the allocated budget to collect biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste from all five wards of the rural municipality. 

Members of the rural executive and local community representatives involved in waste management have also conducted observation visits to local governments in Gandaki Province that have successfully implemented effective waste management systems.

According to Lalchan, households will be encouraged to separate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories from the beginning. Dustbins and plastic bags will also be provided for waste collection.

The rural municipality, which includes the district headquarters and serves as a gateway for tourists travelling to the Muktinath Temple and Upper Mustang, has been carrying out various beautification programmes to make the area clean and attractive.

To support this effort, the municipality has been conducting training and awareness programmes for residents on waste management practices. The rural municipality has also tightened restrictions on the use of beer bottles. 

Biodegradable waste will be turned into compost at the household level, while non-biodegradable waste will be sold. The income generated will be used to purchase materials and equipment required for waste management.

Meanwhile, the Jomsom office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has signed an agreement with Green Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. in Pokhara to recycle non-biodegradable plastic waste collected from Baragung Muktikshetra, Gharpajhong and Thasang rural municipalities.

According to ACAP Jomsom Chief Rajesh Gupta, non-biodegradable waste is collected and transported to Pokhara by truck for recycling. Waste management remains a challenge in all five local levels of Mustang district.