The Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum has decided to implement a joint approach for waste management, ensuring all municipalities share the financial and administrative responsibilities. The forum also approved collaboration with the federal government on the proposal on metro rail project to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion. Moreover, a new inter-municipal cycle lane, stretching from Shivapuri to Godavari through Kathmandu and Lalitpur, was also planned to promote sustainable transport and better connectivity across the valley.
The Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum has recently decided to collaborate with the federal government to study scientific and sustainable management of waste generated in the Kathmandu Valley.
The decision was taken at the Forum’s 13th meeting held in Kathmandu on February 19th under the chairmanship of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor and Chairperson of the forum Chiribabu Maharjan. The meeting formed a Waste Management Study and Coordination Committee to assess waste management methods and technologies and to facilitate support, coordination and collective management among local governments.
The meeting also decided to formulate necessary rules and prepare a master plan for a bicycle lane from Godavari to Budhanilkantha, and to coordinate with the federal government for infrastructure development and operation.
Speaking after the meeting, chairperson Maharjan said the valley municipalities are ready to cooperate with the federal government in implementing the proposed Metro Concept and in constructing and operating related infrastructure.
Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol emphasized need to review past studies on public transport and select systems suited to the Valley’s geography, settlement patterns and cultural context. She said waste management, public transport, drinking water supply, river conservation, food hygiene, disaster management and climate change remain key challenges requiring coordinated action.
