According to Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, the center has been designed in the unique style of an “overturned stone,” reflecting Pokhara’s geographical identity.
He said the architecture is rare in Nepal and the structure is being developed not only as a physical facility but also as a national learning hub focused on circular economy practices and sustainable waste management.
The project is being implemented with financial assistance of approximately Rs 2.25 billion from the South Korean government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
An implementation office has already been established at Shivalaya Chowk in Pokhara, where coordination with local stakeholders is ongoing.
To strengthen community participation, the metropolitan city has formed groups of up to 100 members in all 33 wards.
Mayor Acharya said the project is also providing the necessary technical equipment and materials to these community groups.
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to waste management while simultaneously creating large-scale local employment opportunities.
The contract for the construction of the “Koseli Ghar” was awarded to International Engineering and Construction Company, Anamnagar, Kathmandu, with a target to complete the structure within one and a half years.
The project will process non-biodegradable waste and convert discarded materials into new products. Authorities believe the center will evolve into a major learning destination as well as a tourism attraction for Pokhara.
The “Green Venture Zone (GVZ)” is being developed under the “Green Job Creation through Recycle and Upcycle” project, with the objective of linking waste management to income generation and tourism promotion.
Locally known as “Koseli Ghar,” the structure is being built in Ward No. 9 of Pokhara Metropolitan City. Project focal person and engineer Netra Timilsina said the center is primarily being developed as an exhibition and learning facility.
According to him, the focus will not be on waste collection itself, but on demonstrating and teaching how discarded materials can be transformed into useful and high-value products.
The project has selected 136 communities within Pokhara Metropolitan City and is providing local residents with training to create attractive products from waste materials. The items produced by these communities will be displayed and sold at the Koseli Ghar.
“We have prioritized upcycling over recycling,” engineer Timilsina said. “Unused old clothes and furniture will be transformed into attractive and value-added products, helping improve local income generation.”
The center will also serve as an educational site for students and representatives of local governments to study waste segregation and management practices.
Pokhara Metropolitan City aims to develop the facility not only as a waste management center but also as a new tourism destination.
Project officials believe the Green Venture Zone could become a must-visit attraction for tourists traveling to major destinations such as Phewa Lake, Sarangkot and Pumdikot.
