Identifying the potential impacts on Hanumante River, Bhaktapur and its mitigation measures

Bhaktapur District, a part of Bagmati Zone, is one of the 75 districts of Nepal. The ancient city is also known as Nepal's "Cultural Capital" and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located approximately 15 kilometers east of Kathmandu and is on top of a small hill, which rises from the northern banks of the Hanumante River. It is densely built with narrow lanes, houses surrounding small courtyards and many temples and shrines. The city is also surrounded by agricultural fields. These have been the main source of income of the district. Waste generated by the residents in Bhaktapur district is either composted by them, or put out in the streets for collection by the municipality or sold to waste buyers. Some people, however, still dump their waste on the banks of the Hanumante River or other public places. Urbanisation and different industrial activities are also playing important role in the deterioration of the river quality. This thesis examines the impacts on the environment and river caused by industry and household waste. An attempt is made to determine also the different sources of pollution in the river. Recommendations are made on the mitigation measures and analysis is made on the different responses coming from respondents regarding the pollution of the river.