Waste management introduced in curriculum in Dhangadhi to link skills with employment

Dhangadhi: Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City is moving to institutionalize waste management by formally introducing it through a textbook. The book, prepared with technical assistance from Kathmandu University, will be used for teaching and learning after approval from the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).

Training based on the newly prepared curriculum, which focuses on waste management, classification, reuse, and employment creation, has already begun. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan formally inaugurated the training at a program held at the Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City Hall on Sunday.

Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City has stated that this is the first initiative in Nepal to include waste management in a formal curriculum. The initiative is considered innovative, as there has so far been limited systematic study and teaching of the subject through structured academic materials.

Deputy Mayor Kandakala Kumari Rana expressed confidence that the program will increase public interest in waste management and positively contribute to urban cleanliness. According to Parash Khadka, Chief Engineer of Tikapur Polytechnic Institute, the textbook has been prepared with five clear objectives and is expected to help produce skilled manpower in the sector.

Currently, the sub-metropolitan city is practicing micro-classification, sale, and management of waste in urban areas. Construction of a modern waste management center under the Regional Urban Development Project is also in its final stage. The training program will cover topics including waste management, skill development, equipment use, electronic waste collection and reuse, and employment generation.

Speaking at the program, Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan said that Dhangadhi’s initiative is exemplary for other cities and stressed the importance of promoting waste recycling. He also highlighted the need to reduce the volume of waste being sent to Banchare Danda.