One Year Cleaning Inititative
Boudha ,Kathmandu, Nepal
-Background
People wish to live in a peaceful, tranquel, green and clean environment. This is
not only their aspirations but also is regarded as the fundamental human rights for their survival. Boudhanath, a world heritage site, holy place and attraction for
Buddhist faithfuls and visitors alike from around the world has seen tremendous
growth of population surrounding its vicinity. Bouddhanath Stupa, a historical
and heritage site, is known around the world as a symbol of peace.
Having realized the significance of Bouddhanath Stupa and need for taking action to manage drainage system, sweep, collect and proper disposal of garbage and create a suitable area to rest and relax for pilgrims/visitors while preserving open natural spaces surrounding the Stupa and its vicinity, the Green and CleanTeam(GCT), an initiative began by local youths on their own since 2022. In orderto take positive action on their own to make the community the way inhabitants/visitors want it to be, the GCT hosted 90 days cleaning campaign in 2022 while kept engaged itself in preserving several natural parks in Mahankal, Ramhiti area and at the same time raising issues of drainage system, roadcondition, electrification of the roads and traffic management around Boudhanath, Mahankal, Chuchepati, Ramhiti, Tinchuley etc. with the concerned local, provincial and central authorities.
-Project Area
It is centered around UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site- Boudhanath Stupa located in Ward 6, Kathmandu, Nepal. Our project location is between Pasang Lamhu Chowk to Tinchuli Chowk covering all the alleys heading toward Boudhanath Stupa.
-Who are We?
We are a non-profit organization who have conducted and monitored an 8 days
and 100 days campaign to create a distinct society that can stand as an example
or inspiration for other communities seeking change. The organization's main
goal is to solve the issues of unmanaged garbage, preserve underutilized public
lands, water, safety and security, lighting, and security on major
roadways/alleys, etc. With these objectives, the GCT has launched a one year
Cleaning Campaign along with the team of 12 sweepers, one supervisor,
operation manager and two Chief Coordinators on January 14, 2023. In short
period, the GCT has been able to receive support and guidance from its local
resident advisors namely MD of Nepal Electricity Authority Mr. Kulman
Ghising, Former Ambassador to Germany Mr. Ramesh Prasad Khanal, World
renowned Film Director Mr. Tshering Rchiter Sherpa, among others.
-General Objectives
- To create awareness among the local residents and to take positive actions
to help build a green and clean environment surrounding the designated
areas.
-Specific Objectives
- To keep the streets and surrounding areas clean on a regular basis.
- To create awareness and educate people about the importance of a clean environment.
- To restore, preserve and invest in public spaces with the objective of providing green and clean spaces.
- To take up issues of area's cleanliness, lighting, water, traffic regulation, safety and security concerns.
- To build and enhance local engagements in all its activities in order to ensure long-term sustainability of its projects.
- To serve and project as an example of Kathmandu's green and clean neighborhood.
- To collaborate with local, provincial and federal authorities in maintaining the designated area environment friendly, green and clean.
-Conclusion
The Initiative was begun with some local youth’s desire and intent to make real change in the society and create awareness for a sustainable green and clean environment surrounding the World Heritage site of Bouddhanath Stupa. Initially, the GCT received support and funds from friends and relatives to accomplish the projects as mentioned above. In order to give it a continuation the GCT has also approached local authorities as well as interested organizations and people to help continue our effort to make the Bouddha area a more livable place and a model town in Kathmandu in terms of cleanliness with public spaces greener and well taken care of. The GCT has so far remained fortunate in obtaining necessary cooperation and assistance from a variety of organizations, including the Nepal Police, Ward Office, Bouddh Area Development Committee, Department of Roads, Nepal Electricity Authority and other relevant local authorities as well as garbage collecting and disposing companies active in the area. The GCT, at the moment, is a growing not-for- profit organization devoted to creating awareness on environmental issues and taking action to maintain green and clean surroundings to Bouddhanath Stupa. The GCT has taken a huge responsibility of a One Year Cleaning Campaign in the designated areas
of Bouddhanath Stupa and its surroundings with the hope and assurances of support from friends, families and organizations as well as authorities concerned.
As such, any cooperation to fulfill its objectives are welcome. The GCT is committed to make every financial transaction public and remain a transparent organization for anyone to evaluate and scrutinize. The GCT also welcomes feedback, comments and suggestions from anyone willing to support its cause and be a part of the campaign. The GCT believes in ACTION and RESULT. In order to achieve these goals, let’s join hands to create an environment where we, as well as our children, could take a fresh breath and live in peace in a green and clean surrounding.
