Kathmandu: The Pashupati area will become a ‘zero waste producing site’ if a government plan bears fruit. Zero waste is a concept that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused. Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Centre (SWMRMC) has forwarded a proposal to this effect to Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT). The centre plans to make the area ‘zero’ waste producer in next two years.

Waste generated in the Pashupati area will be segregated as per their biodegradable and non biodegradable nature. The non-reusable substances such as glasses, rubber, textiles, paper and plastics will be collected with the help of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and NGOs to take recyclable wastes to recycling industries and non-recyclable to landfill sites.

According to experts, wastes produced in Pashupati can be converted into money if managed properly. SWMRMC Director Sumitra Amatya said biodegradable wastes produced in the area can be utilised by preparing biogas and compost manure. Similarly, non-biodegradable materials can be categorised into recyclable and non-recyclable wastes. For instance, leaves and wood can be used to prepare briquettes, whereas ash and wood left over from pyre cremation will be used for composting. “The project will be implemented under the private-public partnership,” said Amatya. “SWMRMC will provide technical support, whereas PADT will handle the management part.” She said that budget for the project will be announced next week after determining the quantity of wastes produced at the World Heritage Site.

PADT Member Secretary Sushil Nahata said local people of the VDCs near Pashupati and neighboring villages, through which the Bagmati River flows, have been requested to join in the campaign. “Local clubs are already keen to participate. We are trying to increase participation from the neighboring VDCs as well so that more public will come forward to keep the cultural site and water resources clean,” Nahata said.