A five-day cleanliness and awareness campaign under the theme “Preserve Indigenous Culture and Environment, Reduce Pollution, and Develop Mustang as a Tourist Destination” concluded on Saturday. Led by the District Coordination Committee (DCC), all five local municipalities of Mustang jointly conducted the campaign, which ended at Kabrebhir, the border between Myagdi and Mustang.
The campaign began from Korala Pass (Nepal–China border), reaching various religious and tourist destinations in Mustang. According to Pradeep Gauchan, Chairperson of Thasang Rural Municipality, the initiative involved elected representatives, including chairpersons and vice-chairpersons from all five municipalities, along with staff.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness of waste management among tourists, tourism entrepreneurs, and locals. Through coordinated efforts, the campaign covered areas like Nechung Customs, Zhong Cave, Thinggar, Lo Manthang, Loghekar Monastery, Luri Monastery, Chhusang, Kagbeni, and the sacred Muktinath area. Clean-up extended through Dhumba Lake, Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, Kobang, Sekung Lake, Lete, and up to Ghasa covering a distance of 145 kilometers.
Lopsang Chomphel Bista, Chairperson of Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, said over 10 tractors worth of waste were collected and stored within their respective municipalities. Non-decomposable waste will be processed in Jomsom. During the closing ceremony, representatives expressed concerns about the impacts of climate change on the Himalayan region. Maya Gurung, Chief of DCC Mustang, noted that snow-covered mountains are turning rocky due to climate change, harming environmental balance. She emphasized the importance of cleanliness and pollution control for sustainable tourism.
Tashi Nurbu Gurung, Chairperson of Lo Manthang, stressed starting waste management at the ward level, while Rinjing Namgyel Gurung of Baragung Muktikshetra said local governments must take ownership of such campaigns as they hold constitutional authority. Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal remarked that this large-scale campaign by Mustang’s local bodies and the DCC sends a positive message, showcasing unity and collaboration. He called it a model for Nepal’s 753 local levels.
