KATHMANDU: Volunteers collected and managed 3.5 metric tons of non-biodegradable waste from the Bagmati riverbank below Sinamangal Bridge on Saturday during the 688th week of the Bagmati Mega Clean-up Campaign.

The waste was managed by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Environment Department. The clean-up involved representatives of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization, the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Heritage, campaign volunteers, and local residents.

Launched on May 13, 2013, the weekly campaign has continued every Saturday despite adverse weather, major festivals, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers said similar clean-up drives are now being carried out at more than 108 locations across the country, inspired by the Bagmati campaign.