Waste Management in Areas along the Kathmandu Valley Ring Road in Nepal

Abstract

Solid Wastes are discarded wastes and are generated from different sources such as sludge from a
waste water treatment plant, water supply treatment plant or air pollution control facility and other discarded
materials, business and industries, agricultural and community activities. Similarly, urban slums are the result
of the rowing pace of urbanization and lack of affordable housing. Managing solid waste in the urban slum area
is a major issue concerning Municipal Solid Waste Management. Poor sanitation, drainage and garbage disposal
systems degrade the environment which results in hazards both to the physical and mental health of people living
in slums area. The research was conducted during the period of 20 Slums areas within the ring road of Kathmandu
Valley of Nepal. Field observation, In-depth interviews, focus group discussion and Questionnaire survey were
the major instruments used during the investigation. The problems caused due to improper solid waste
management in a slum area within the ring road of Kathmandu city have increased in loss of aesthetic beauty and
tourism industry, people’s attitude and behaviors and as well as flooding/inundation during monsoon season
(RII=0.71) for the people living there. The cause of an inadequate number of waste-collecting vehicles is the
insufficient budget (RII=0.71). The cause of the loss of aesthetic beauty is due to the dumping of solid waste in
the streets and bank of rivers (RII=0.71). The cause of negative impact on public health is due to the dumping of
solid wastes in streets and on banks of rivers, with no strict action for open dumping and burning of the wastes
(RII=0.71). The cause of the emission of greenhouse gases is due to methane release from landfill sites (RII=0.72).
The study would like to suggest that the government should come up with proper plans and policies along with
the enforcement and strict monitoring of the prevailing rules and regulations. Planning should be conducted at
every stage and tracking should be done.