As part of the European Union-funded GreenShift Nepal project, youth advocacy groups in Janakpur and Bharatpur have taken the lead in transforming local areas into model neighborhoods that promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste.
Janakpur Youth Lead Design Workshop for Plastic-Free Community
In Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, the youth advocacy group CARD Nepal organized a Model Neighborhood Design Workshop on April 8, 2025 at the Dhanusha District Coordination Committee hall. The workshop brought together local officials, community leaders, and GreenShift partners to plan the transformation of a 100-household area in Ward No. 4 into a cleaner, plastic-free community. Discussions focused on waste segregation, banning single-use plastics, and encouraging the use of cloth or reusable bags.
“We want to show that change is possible when the community comes together,” said Anju Kumari Yadav, Chairperson of CARD Nepal. “Our neighborhood can become a model for others across Janakpur.”
A strategic plan was developed during the workshop, and participants committed to actions such as installing dustbins, running awareness campaigns, and engaging households directly. As a follow-up, CARD Nepal conducted a door-to-door campaign on April 14, reaching 51 households with messages about plastic reduction and community hygiene.
Bharatpur Community Sets Vision for Sustainable Model Neighborhood
In Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Saral Nepal is leading a bold initiative to turn a 1200-metre stretch from Bhawana Chowk to Master Chowk in Ward 14 into a Namuna Tol or model neighborhood. On April 10, 2025, the team carried out a field inspection with 37 participants including local residents, city representatives, and GreenShift partners.
This initiative is not only about physical transformation, but also about creating a unique, sustainable community space. The group is working on a clear 45-day roadmap to redesign and revitalize the road segment, focusing on cleanliness, public involvement, and long-term upkeep.
“It was a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and share ideas directly with the people,” said Manish Poudel, President of Saral Nepal. “Our aim is to create a distinct example in the metro that can be replicated in other wards.”
Participants discussed how to preserve the road in its improved condition, ensure community ownership, and address challenges such as long-term maintenance. The team is committed to making this model neighborhood a living example of what sustainable, youth-led transformation looks like.
Both CARD Nepal and Saral Nepal are supported through the GreenShift Nepal project, jointly implemented by CREASION, Restless Development Nepal, and Youth Innovation Lab. Their work highlights how young people are not just raising awareness but leading real change in their communities.
These model neighborhood initiatives are practical demonstrations of how youth leadership, local participation, and consistent follow-through can pave the way for cleaner cities and a circular economy.
