Samyog Dhakal's journey exemplifies the transformative power of youth in driving positive change. At just 25 years old, this environmental science graduate from Damak, Jhapa, embraced an opportunity that would take him far from his comfort zone.

Despite having moved to Kathmandu for his studies, Samyog didn't hesitate when offered a position as a Waste Smart Fellow in Bardibas—a city entirely new to him. His willingness to relocate showed his adaptability and commitment to making a difference.

Samyog's passion for environmental issues, particularly waste management, had been cultivated during his bachelor's studies. Now, armed with knowledge and driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society, he saw this role as the perfect opportunity to translate his academic insights into real-world impact.

This young man's story serves as an inspiring example of how the younger generation can spark action and lead the charge in addressing critical environmental challenges. By stepping out of his familiar surroundings and into a new community, Samyog positioned himself at the forefront of local sustainability efforts, ready to apply his expertise where it was needed most.

 Establishing his place

Samyog's journey as a Waste Smart Fellow in Bardibas began with a realization that, the city faces significant waste management challenges. Despite visible issues, initiatives for waste management were notably absent. This gap motivated him to choose Bardibas Municipality for a seven-month fellowship, aiming to create a visible impact and drive positive change. His background includes work with private entities and public companies, but this was his first grassroots experience with local government.

While Samyog's professional background included experience with both private entities and public companies, this fellowship marked his first foray into grassroots work with local government. It was a new frontier that promised both challenges and opportunities for growth.

The initial weeks in Bardibas proved challenging for Samyog. He found himself navigating unfamiliar territory, both literally and figuratively. From finding his bearings in a new city to establishing connections with key individuals, each day presented its own set of hurdles. However, amidst these challenges, Samyog found an invaluable ally in Mr. Dharamnada Joshi, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Mr. Joshi's unwavering support became a cornerstone of Samyog's early experiences, helping him overcome obstacles and find his footing.

In a bold move that speaks volumes about his faith in Samyog, Mr. Joshi thrust the young fellow into the spotlight merely three days into his tenure. Samyog was tasked with delivering a 15-minute presentation at a local event, where he introduced GreenShift Nepal, discussed plastic waste management issues and potential solutions, and expounded on the concept of circular economy. This early exposure proved instrumental, allowing Samyog to quickly establish his presence and credibility among community members and ward representatives.

This not only showcased Samyog's adaptability and knowledge but also set the tone for his impactful work in the months to come. It marked the beginning of a journey that would see him transform from an outsider to a pivotal figure in Bardibas's waste management landscape.

Sensitizing and Connecting:

As a Waste Smart Fellow, Samyog aimed to promote the idea of circular economy among municipal executives and representatives. After weeks of office work, he decided to engage with the community. Leveraging his experience as a Rotarian, he connected with the Rotaract Club of Bardibas to spread awareness about the project and the circular economy initiative. This community engagement led to further connections and opportunities to inform locals about waste management plans and policies.

Policy and Data Collection:

In the office, he gathered policies, budgets, and documents related to waste management. He  found a seven-year-old contract between the municipality and a private company, which promised machinery like incinerators and segregators, and the development of a landfill site and organic composting facilities. Samyog then prepared a policy and data gap report on waste management and presented it at a Municipal Executive Meeting. This presentation highlighted the detrimental impact of waste dumping in the river and led to the promise of formation of a waste management committee.

Sparking Action:

Research revealed that the project stalled due to internal issues and a lack of pressure from locals on representatives. The private company had purchased machinery but awaited the municipality’s development of necessary infrastructure. Meetings with the contractor in Kathmandu provided insights into the project's status, which Samyog relayed to municipal officials and the community. Despite initial indifference, community members organized a protest—the first in Bardibas concerning waste management. This action prompted the government to take the issue seriously.

Moving Forward:

Samyog facilitated a visit from the company manager to the municipality, resulting in a positive response from the mayor and a commitment to allocate budget for the project, set to start by the end of July. With two months left in his fellowship, the project is now on track. Samyog continues to collect data, develop maps, and fulfill tasks outlined in his Terms of Reference.

Conclusion: In Samyog’s words, he writes: “As my fellowship in Bardibas Municipality nears its end, the momentum for positive change in waste management has only just begun”. The groundwork laid through policy gap analysis, community engagement, and collaboration with the contractor has set the stage for the project's revival. The upcoming budget allocation and the company’s renewed commitment signal a new chapter for Bardibas' waste management system.

This experience underscores the power of individual initiative within local governance. By bridging the gap between the municipality and the community and holding authorities accountable, even short-term interventions can spark significant progress. The next few months will be crucial in translating plans into action. However, the community's heightened awareness and the municipality's commitment to the project provide a strong foundation for Bardibas to embrace a circular economy and responsible waste management practices.