18 September 2025 On a mild, drizzly Wednesday morning, the prominent intersection of Narayan Gopal Chowk in Kathmandu became the site of a significant environmental action. A committed team of volunteers convened with the singular objective of addressing litter and enhancing the cleanliness of this major urban area. Undeterred by the light rain, this Day of Action furthered the momentum of the city's broader sustainability movement, echoing the efforts recently seen at the Swoyambhu site.
The campaign was jointly organized by dedicated environmental organizations, including EcoSathi Nepal, Bhoomithan, and Clean Up Nepal. The participants, a diverse assembly of students, professionals, and community members from youth led organisations were motivated by a collective commitment to a cleaner, more ecologically sound urban setting.
During the targeted cleanup effort, the team meticulously examined the gathered waste to precisely measure and classify the wastes. The sheer volume provided compelling evidence of the ongoing challenges in urban waste management. In total, the volunteers successfully collected an extraordinary 205.75 kilograms of waste.
The detailed findings from the collection were highly informative: the team amassed 89.65 kilograms of plastics, 0.78 kilograms of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, 15.955 kilograms of glass bottles, and a substantial 99.37 kilograms of mixed, unsorted refuse.
The cleanup at Narayan Gopal Chowk revealed two big challenges. First, the large amount of mixed waste shows that urban areas generate a wide variety of waste types. Second, the high amount of plastic waste points to the ongoing issue of single-use plastics in Kathmandu Valley’s cities.
This cleanup was more than just tidying up, it showed how strong teamwork and community spirit can make a real difference. Besides making the area cleaner, the event gave us important data. It shows we urgently need better public education about sorting waste and more responsible disposal habits from both local businesses and residents.
Looking ahead, the success of this event sets the stage for future efforts. The Narayan Gopal Chowk cleanup is a great example of how youth-led efforts can create real change. It proves that every small action, even in tough weather, helps build a cleaner, healthier environment. These public spaces deserve to stay beautiful for everyone, now and in the future.
