Restricting plastics leakage to rivers

I was invited by CREASION Nepal to Khurkot, where, in collaboration with Golanjor Rural Municipality, they organized a plastic waste cleaning program. Together with Youth Cohorts, the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, Traffic Police, and other stakeholders, they conducted a river cleanup campaign that prevented approximately 25 tons of plastic waste from entering the Sunkoshi river.

On May 31, more than 100 individuals in Khurkot, Golanjor-7, participated in the cleanup initiative organized by Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers).

Ujjwal Upadhay, the team lead for Project CAP, shared with me, “We successfully relocated 24,575 kg of waste from the riverside to a designated landfill site using a loader, an excavator, and two trucks, each making 20 trips with a load capacity of 1.2 tons per trip. This effort not only opened a path to the new landfill site but also managed the remaining waste at the previous hotspot using standard waste management practices.”

Aanand Mishra, founder and president of CREASION, remarked, “We should not rely solely on external motivation or funding for crucial work like nature conservation. This commitment should come from within, ensuring a better future for Nepal. However, in some cases, such incentives are necessary for innovative solutions.”

Aasha Kumari Sah, a dedicated advocate for youth rights and education and the Bardibas Coordinator for the VFC-Youth Cohort, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “Our goal is to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make a tangible difference in their communities. By fostering a culture of recycling, we can collectively work towards a cleaner, greener planet.”

I also spoke with Sujata Koirala, General Secretary of CREASION, representing the VFC-Youth Cohort initiative within Project CAP. She explained that through various campaigns, advocacy programs, and community outreach, they aim to instill a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for recycling among the youth and the larger community.

Engaging with youths in the cleanup campaign was an inspiring experience that also motivated me greatly. Their energy and dedication to the cause were infectious, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. Witnessing their commitment to making a tangible difference highlighted the power of collective action and the vital role young people play in shaping a sustainable future.