Key Facts about Sunkoshi River

A recent river cleanup campaign removed a substantial amount of waste from the Sunkoshi River under the PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas of South Asia) program.

About the Sunkoshi River:

1. Sunkoshi, also known as the “river of gold,” is a river located in Nepal and is part of the Koshi or Saptkoshi River system.
2. Originating in the Zhangzangbo Glacier in Tibet, the Sunkoshi River merges with the Saptkoshi River and eventually joins the Ganges in India before reaching the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh.
3. It is one of the longest and most popular rivers for rafting in Nepal and is known for its challenging rapids.
4. The Sunkoshi River forms the watershed for most of eastern Nepal.

Key Points about the Koshi River:

1. The Koshi River is a transboundary river flowing through China, Nepal, and India and is a major tributary of the Ganges.
2. Originating from the Tibetan Plateau, it crosses the Himalayas and flows through various geographical features before meeting the Ganges in Bihar, India.
3. The Koshi River system drains about 45% of Nepal and is known for its tendency to change course, particularly in a westward direction.
4. The Kosi River valley is bounded by steep margins, which disconnect it from neighboring rivers.
5. The Koshi River has caused significant human suffering in the past due to flooding and frequent changes in its course.
6. The Koshi River has several major tributaries, including the Sun Koshi, Tama Koshi, Dudh Koshi, Indravati, Likhu, Arun, and Tamore or Tamar.

Main Tributaries of the Ganges River:

• The Yamuna, the Ghaghara, the Gandak, and the Kosi are the main tributaries of the Ganges River.

What is the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas of South Asia program?

1. The Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) program is a collaboration between the World Bank, Parley for the Oceans, and the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP).
2. It's a $40 million, 5-year project across all eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
3. The program aims to reduce plastic pollution in South Asian rivers and seas by encouraging innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Project goals

1. The project aims to reduce plastic pollution flowing into the South Asian seas.
2. It also aims to encourage a circular plastic economy in South Asia by promoting investments and collaboration.

Project components

The project has 4 main components:

1. Competitive block grants: $20 million is allocated to support competitive block grants to reduce plastic waste.

2. Private sector engagement: $9 million is allocated to leverage private sector engagement and solutions.

3. Strengthening innovation: The project aims to strengthen innovation and coordination of circular economy solutions to plastic pollution.

4. Regional integration: The project aims to strengthen regional integration institutions.

Project impact

Plastic pollution can have far-reaching economic, ecological, and health impacts. It can also threaten development.

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