The religious area of Devghat is set to be officially declared a plastic-prohibited zone from Poush 11. The announcement will be made formally under the coordination of the Devghat Area Development Committee, with the participation of three local governments.
The committee stated that the declaration will be carried out in collaboration with partner organizations, including Sahamati Sanstha and Nadi Sanga Hami, as part of a broader campaign to make the sacred area plastic-free.
To support waste management in the holy site, 37 dustbins have been installed across the Devghat area. Separate bins have been arranged for plastic waste, water bottles, and biodegradable leaf plates.
The program is being implemented under the leadership of the Devghat Area Development Committee in coordination with Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Gaindakot Municipality, and Devghat Rural Municipality. Committee Chair Dr. Ishwari Raj Laudari said that following the declaration, a full-scale campaign will be launched to ensure Devghat remains plastic-free.
According to him, the plastic-prohibited zone will cover an area of 5,434 hectares under the jurisdiction of the Devghat Area Development Committee. He emphasized that collective effort is essential for effective waste management, adding that rivers are closely linked with civilization and must be protected through collective responsibility.
Sahamati Sanstha Chair Omnath Subedi, whose organization is partnering in the initiative, stressed the need for active public participation. He acknowledged existing challenges in managing waste at the cremation site in Devghat but said coordinated efforts can address the problem.
Executive Director of the Devghat Area Development Committee, Sadan Baral, also highlighted that public awareness campaigns and plastic bag control measures are already underway and reiterated that cooperation from all stakeholders is crucial to make Devghat completely plastic-free.
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