SafaGaraun initiative concludes Shrawan Sombar activities at Pashupatinath Temple

KATHMANDU: The month-long 'SafaGaraun' cleanliness initiative has concluded its Shrawan Sombar activities at the Pashupatinath Temple premises after mobilising more than 500 volunteers, students, sanitation workers and partner organisations.

Led by CREASION Nepal with support from The Coca‑Cola Foundation and in partnership with the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), the initiative addressed the influx of hundreds of thousands of devotees visiting the heritage site during the holy month of Shrawan. The effort supported local workers and volunteers in managing waste, maintaining cleanliness across the temple grounds and promoting responsible disposal habits among visitors.

Every Monday throughout Shrawan, volunteers worked alongside more than two dozen sanitation workers each week to collect and segregate waste and to raise public awareness about the importance of collective action in protecting Nepal’s heritage.

During the closing ceremony, organisers inaugurated public benches made from recycled PET plastic to show how plastic waste can be repurposed into useful infrastructure. PADT presented a Letter of Appreciation to The Coca‑Cola Foundation for its ongoing support, and certificates of appreciation were given to volunteers and sanitation workers for their dedication throughout the four‑week programme.

The event was attended by Aditya Panda, Director of PACS – Sustainability & ESG Value Creation; Ajay Konale, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal Limited; Aruna Karki, President of CREASION Nepal; Aanand Mishra, Founder of CREASION; and representatives from PADT.

Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, said, “Collaboration is key to improving waste management and encouraging responsible practices. Through our support for #SafaGaraun, The Coca‑Cola Foundation aims to empower the local community to promote better waste management. This approach also contributes to cleaner public spaces and long‑term environmental responsibility.”

CREASION Nepal Chairperson Aruna Karki emphasised the long‑term vision of the movement, saying, “We want to take this partnership and support from The Coca‑Cola Foundation nationwide in the days ahead. ‘#SafaGaraun’ must be understood not as a one‑off event, but as an ongoing national initiative.”

Tirtha Prasad Shrestha, Member Secretary of PADT, said, “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to The Coca‑Cola Foundation for its valuable support and contribution to the conservation and promotion of the environment in the Pashupati Area. We also look forward to continued support and collaboration in the days ahead.”

Building on the work completed during Shrawan, the 'SafaGaraun' initiative will continue with planned activities leading up to Haritalika Teej on September 14, 2026, aimed at encouraging community participation and sustainable waste management at heritage sites.