Beni Municipality in Myagdi has been dumping its waste on the banks of Kaligandaki River for the last 17 years for lack of a designated dumping site.

“We are compelled to dump solid waste on the river banks since we haven’t found a suitable dumping site,” said Chhabilal Subedi, the chief administrative officer at the municipality. “We also plan to build a gabion wall to stop the waste from spilling onto the road.”

The solid waste disposed of on the river banks has polluted the waters in the Kaligandaki River and the surrounding area.

Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi, produces around one metric ton of solid waste in a day. The garbage is dumped on the riverbank about a kilometre north of Beni Bazaar.

The municipality had assured to set up a proper waste management system following complaints from local residents. But the issue remains unsolved.

“Kaligandaki is home to several aquatic animals. The municipality, which is responsible for the river’s preservation, has been dumping garbage on the riverbank and causing environmental pollution,” said Atreya Ghanshyam Mumukshu, a sage in Muktihari Radhakrishna Temple in Galeshwor. “The area is dirty and stinking.”

For the last two years, the municipality has assigned Mission for Waste Management, a private company in Pokhara, with the responsibility to manage garbage. But local residents say they are yet to see the company take responsibility as per the agreement.