In the heart of Melamchi Municipality, where the impacts of climate change are increasingly evident, one individual has emerged as  hope and inspiration— Saroj raj Dotel , a youth leader from Ward-13. His unwavering dedication to mobilise youth  has significantly contributed to the successful implementation of climate resilience and waste management activities under the SCRM project.

The  journey began when he participated in the SCRM project’s pre-feasibility study in the ward office.Then after the orientation session on climate change session in one school . He participated in the SCRM project’s Youth club training session on disaster risk reduction. He took the initiative to organize a local youth group consisting of 15 energetic members from diverse backgrounds and became the leader to lead the group.

Recognizing the need for awareness and action, he collaborated with schools, eco-clubs, and ward representatives to conduct the door-to-door awareness campaigns (Forest fire), and cleanliness activities of the religious places and  planted  trees in the park area to promote green environment.

Community members, once passive on environmental issues, now actively support and sustain the initiatives launched by the youth. The change is visible—not just in the cleaner streets and better waste practices, but in the growing sense of ownership and resilience among local people. He is thankful to Karuna Trust and REED Nepal for the capacity building activities for the youths.