Threat to biodiversity intensifies as waste dumping expands in Kailali forest corridors
Ghodaghodi (Kailali): Basanta Hariyali, Kalika, Gauriganesh and Shivashakti Community Forest areas in Ward No. 8 of Gauriganga Municipality-4 in Kailali are considered highly important for biodiversity conservation. Rich in greenery, natural beauty and forest heritage, these forest areas serve as an important biological corridor linking the Terai and Chure regions.
This corridor, extending along the East-West Highway, is a key route for regular wildlife movement. Leopards are also known to use the area for breeding and raising cubs. However, this ecologically sensitive forest zone is increasingly being used as a dumping site in the name of waste management, posing a serious threat to its ecological significance.
The waste dumped indiscriminately along the highway has endangered not only the natural beauty of the forest area but also the entire ecosystem. The disposal of various types of waste, including plastics, has directly impacted the environment and affected wildlife habitats, feeding patterns and movement routes.
Forest areas affected by unmanaged waste
The growing problem of waste disposal in forest areas has created a serious challenge for environmental balance and biodiversity conservation. As waste has been dumped for years in sensitive areas such as Basanta along the East-West Highway, its direct impact is now visible on wildlife habitats, vegetation and the overall ecosystem.
Conservationist Vijayraj Shrestha said the indiscriminate dumping of waste within biological corridors is a matter of serious concern. “The Basanta biological corridor is the lifeline of wildlife. Dumping waste in such areas has directly interfered with natural habitats,” he said.
According to him, the long-term impact of garbage accumulation could create serious challenges for biodiversity conservation. He added that unmanaged waste increases the risk of human-wildlife conflict, while plastics, chemical residues and other pollutants raise concerns over soil degradation, water contamination and disruption of natural vegetation growth.
Senior Divisional Forest Officer of the Division Forest Office, Pahalmanpur, Janak Padhya, said operating dumping sites in forest areas is a serious environmental challenge. He noted that such practices increase habitat fragmentation, reduce biodiversity and pollute soil and water resources. “Indiscriminate dumping of waste in forest areas can create not only immediate but also long-term environmental crises,” he said.
Senior Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office, Kailali, Bishwaraj Pandit, said the impact of waste is not limited to forest areas alone. During the rainy season, waste from dumping sites flows into streams, rivers and water sources, increasing the risk of groundwater contamination with plastics and chemicals. He added that foul smell, visual pollution and waste accumulation along the East-West Highway have also made travel uncomfortable. Local resident Govinda Sharma said it is also affecting the natural image of the Basanta area, known for its scenic beauty.
Dumping in forest areas due to lack of alternatives
While environmental risks continue to rise, local governments are struggling due to the lack of alternative waste management sites. Although they acknowledge that operating dumping sites inside forest areas is inappropriate, most local bodies say they are compelled to do so due to the absence of suitable land.
Gauriganga Municipality has been managing waste in the Basanta Biological Trail forest area for a long time. Despite its negative impact on wildlife, vegetation and the ecosystem, the lack of immediate alternatives has made the situation more complex.
Deputy Mayor Bhoj Bahadur Bam said the municipality does not want to operate dumping sites in forest areas. “We were forced to use the forest area due to lack of suitable land. This is not our choice,” he said, adding that alternative locations are being explored.
The issue is not limited to Gauriganga Municipality alone. Bardagoriya Rural Municipality, Ghodaghodi Municipality and Lamkichuha Municipality are also using forest areas for waste disposal.
Ghodaghodi Municipality Mayor Khadak Rawat said that although the federal government has provided budgets for waste management, funds remain unused due to the lack of suitable land. “Despite having plans and budgets, implementation is the biggest challenge due to the absence of appropriate sites,” he said, adding that temporary dumping in forest areas continues as a forced option.
Opportunity from waste management
Amid challenges, some local governments in the Far West Province have begun treating waste management as an opportunity rather than a problem. With scientific management, adequate investment and private sector participation, examples are emerging that show waste can be converted into economic value.
The Integrated Waste Management Center operated by Godavari Municipality in Kailali is one such example. Waste collected here is being classified, processed and managed systematically, reducing environmental pollution and supporting sustainable waste management.
Built at a cost of around Rs 1 billion in the Chowkidanda Women’s Community Forest Area, the center separates and processes waste for reuse. Mayor Birendra Bhatta said source-based waste segregation has improved efficiency and generated revenue.
The project has also created employment opportunities. Priyanka Joraila, working at the center for four months, earns around Rs 16,000 per month, while worker Jung Bahadur Chaudhary earns around Rs 17,000 per month and has been engaged in the sector for about nine years.
Swachh Natwar Pvt. Ltd. manages waste operations in Godavari Municipality. Operator Govinda Rawal said about 70 percent of collected waste is processed for reuse, with organic waste converted into fertilizer and other materials recycled. He added that the system generates employment for about 100 people and provides revenue to the municipality.
Similar integrated waste management infrastructure has also been developed in Shuklaphanta Municipality of Kanchanpur, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City and Attariya under the Regional Urban Development Project with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
In Shuklaphanta, Mayor Rana Bahadur Mahara said waste management has improved significantly after the operation of the center, which now processes about three tons of waste daily. In Dhangadhi, a solid waste management center has been built but is yet to become fully operational. The sub-metropolitan city currently collects around 70 tons of waste daily and manages biodegradable waste through biogas and fertilizer production systems.
Despite these positive initiatives, continued dumping of waste in ecologically sensitive forest areas remains a major concern. This highlights that waste management challenges are not only related to resources but are also deeply connected to policy implementation and long-term planning approaches.