Nepal Faces Fast Fashion Crisis As Imported Garments Choke Rivers And Landfills

Nepal is grappling with a growing environmental crisis as imported fast fashion garments overwhelm the country’s rivers, landfills, and fragile waste management systems. In a recent report on Eco Age’s, The Dhobi Khola, a river in the heart of Kathmandu, has become a stark symbol of this issue, its banks now lined with heaps of shredded clothes, synthetic footwear, and plastic waste.

Experts warn that Nepal is becoming a dumping ground for low-cost, disposable clothing from neighboring manufacturing giants, China and India. According to the World Bank, 89% of Nepal’s garment imports originate from these two countries 48% from China and 41% from India, making domestic garment production nearly unsustainable.

“We simply can’t compete with China,” said Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Chairman of the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment. “Ready-made garments are flooding the market at prices that undercut local businesses.”

Much of the imported clothing is either of poor quality or worn briefly before being discarded, contributing to a surge in textile waste. Kathmandu’s Banchare Danda landfill, the city’s main waste disposal site located 27 km away, is now inundated with fashion waste. The situation has sparked public outcry among nearby residents who complain of foul smells, health issues, and environmental degradation.

“We find good-quality garments dumped alongside regular trash,” said Rabindra Lamichhane, Executive Director of Cleanup Nepal. “Floods often carry clothes from households into rivers, where they get buried in sediment or flow downstream.”

Despite its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions just 0.027% Nepal ranks 4th globally in climate vulnerability, according to the UN. The unchecked flow of textile waste into rivers and open spaces is exacerbating the country’s exposure to environmental and public health risks.

The problem is compounded by Nepal’s lack of regulations on harmful chemicals in garments. Unlike the European Union, the country does not have stringent controls on toxic substances in imported clothing, leaving both consumers and ecosystems exposed.

The rise of fast fashion is also threatening Nepal’s cultural practices related to clothing. Traditionally, garments are reused, repaired, and repurposed often transformed into kalo rooi (shredded cloth) for pillows and quilts. However, cheaper shredded textile imports from China are undermining even these age-old recycling practices.

Alpaja Rajbhandari, founder of sustainable brand Ekadesma, expressed concern about the erosion of local traditions. “The influx of cheap fashion has altered how Nepalis perceive value in clothing. Cultural connections and sustainable habits are being lost to convenience,” she said.

Rajbhandari added that imported fast fashion often mimics Western styles but lacks durability, pushing consumers toward repeat purchases and faster disposal.

Although Nepal bans the import of worn clothing, authorities face significant enforcement challenges. With a 1,700 km open border with India, smuggling is rampant, and black-market goods are widely available. Industry insiders estimate that the government loses approximately US$45 million annually in unpaid taxes due to illegal garment trade and fake branded imports.

Despite discussions around adopting anti-dumping regulations and chemical safety standards, implementation has been slow. “These legislative tools are being considered, but we are far from actual enforcement,” said a trade official on condition of anonymity.

Amid the crisis, local entrepreneurs and activists are promoting sustainable alternatives. The Affordable Thrift Store in Kathmandu has emerged as a popular destination for second-hand fashion and upcycled garments. “There’s a growing segment of youth embracing thrift and reuse,” said Shaswat Jha, the store’s operations manager. “It’s still a niche, but attitudes are beginning to change.”

Cleanup campaigns and awareness drives led by environmental groups have also gained momentum. However, stakeholders agree that systemic change including stronger policy enforcement and education is urgently needed.