The Green Shift: Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal (GreenShift Nepal) project, funded by the European Union, is spearheading a transition to a circular economy across nine municipalities in Nepal. Implemented by CREASION in partnership with Restless Development and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab), this four-year initiative spans three provinces—Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini—aiming to revolutionize waste management practices.
At the heart of this transformative effort is the Waste Smart Fellowship, a platform designed to empower young people interested in solid waste management, circular economy, environmental sustainability, and climate action. One of these passionate fellows is Om Shanti Thapa, currently placed in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, where she is helping to drive innovation and policy change in waste management under the GreenShift Nepal Project.
In her role, Om Shanti works closely with municipal officials, including the environment, sanitation, and solid waste management departments, as well as elected representatives. Her primary focus is on devising innovative solutions for plastic waste collection, mobilizing civil society, and promoting sustainable product design and packaging.
Assessing Nepalgunj's Waste Management Landscape
Om Shanti’s journey began with a comprehensive assessment of Nepalgunj’s waste management landscape. She conducted field visits to landfill sites, held interviews with key stakeholders, and analyzed existing policies and guidelines. Through this initial phase, she identified critical gaps in the city’s capacity for waste management, including shortcomings in data collection and monitoring, and the enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Act 2075.
Her efforts culminated in the completion of several key reports, including a Policy Gap Assessment Report and a Data Collection Report, which laid the groundwork for future strategic actions. Om Shanti also played a pivotal role in organizing a Stakeholder Dialogue Meeting, where the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chiefs, and various waste management stakeholders came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Nepalgunj’s waste management system.
Key Insights and Recommendations
During the Stakeholder Dialogue Meeting, Om Shanti highlighted some of the most pressing issues. While the Solid Waste Management Act 2075 provides a strong foundation, its implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in a rapidly growing city like Nepalgunj. Alongside policy gaps, she pointed out the lack of a robust data collection system, which is essential for tracking progress and making informed decisions.
Her reports outlined several recommendations, including the need to align local policies with national laws, enhance budget allocation, improve healthcare waste management, and introduce procedural guidelines to streamline waste collection tariffs. Om Shanti also emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, preparing a data collection template that would allow Nepalgunj to track waste management efforts more effectively.
Moving Forward: A Vision for Circularity
Om Shanti’s work is not just about identifying problems; it’s about envisioning solutions. With her support, Nepalgunj is poised to enhance its waste management system through more effective policies, improved data infrastructure, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. The municipality is also prioritizing the elimination of illegal dumping and the burning of waste—two significant environmental issues that compromise air quality and public health.
The Future of Waste Smart Fellows
For Om Shanti, the Waste Smart Fellowship is more than a professional role—it’s a personal mission. She views this experience as a launching pad for her career in environmental sustainability, driven by her passion for creating a greener, cleaner future. By working directly on the frontlines of waste management, she is gaining invaluable skills and knowledge that will empower her to make a lasting impact in Nepalgunj and beyond.
“I see the Waste Smart Fellowship as an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally,” she shares. “Working in a field that aligns with my passion for sustainability and the circular economy motivates me to push further. My goal is to transform Nepalgunj into one of the most beautiful and clean cities in Nepal, and I believe this project will help us achieve that.”
Through the Waste Smart Fellowship, Om Shanti is contributing to the larger mission of GreenShift Nepal—advancing a circular economy and fostering sustainable waste management practices across the country. Her work in Nepalgunj is not only addressing immediate waste management challenges but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and eco-friendly future.
