Assessment of Effectiveness of National Building Code (Nbc) Implementation: A Case Study of Kirtipur Municipality of Kathmandu District, Bagmati Province in Nepal

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns have significantly increased municipal solid waste generation in developing countries, creating substantial environmental and public health challenges. Nepal is experiencing a growing solid waste management crisis, particularly in urban and peri-urban municipalities where waste generation is increasing faster than management capacity. This study assessed solid waste generation, composition, disposal practices, management challenges, and future landfill requirements in Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu District, Nepal. A mixed-method research design was employed involving household surveys, field observations, focus group discussions, in-depth interview, and waste characterization analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from households across the municipality's wards and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Relative Importance Index (RII) techniques. The findings revealed that the average municipal solid waste generation rate was 0.386 kg/capita/day, consisting of 0.237 kg/capita/day biodegradable waste and 0.149 kg/capita/day non-biodegradable waste. Organic waste constituted the largest fraction of the municipal waste stream, indicating substantial potential for composting and resource recovery. Population forecasting demonstrated a significant increase in future waste generation, requiring approximately 1,146,136.93 m³ of landfill capacity over the next 25 years. The study estimated that approximately 16,373.37 m² (1.64 hectares) of sanitary landfill area would be required to accommodate future waste disposal needs.

The major challenges identified included lack of long-term planning, inadequate source segregation, and insufficient recycling infrastructure, shortage of trained personnel, weak institutional coordination, and limited public awareness.