Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus) is a major source of income for residents of Wards 1 and 2 in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality of Rukum East. A two-day anti-plastic campaign was organised at Pupal Lake, 4,500 metres high, in coordination with the ward office on 16-17 May. Those running the campaign walked for two full days to reach the venue. Conducted under UMN’s SEED project, the initiative reached over 400 people sensitising them about the harmful effects of plastics on Yarsagumba production and valuable natural resources.

Community members helped clean the area and prepared three pits to deposit the waste. As a result, 21 sacks (approximately 530 kgs) of non-degradable waste, including plastic, cloths, and bottles, were collected from the Pupal Lake area.