Environment Ministry carries potentialities: Minister Mahato

Kathmandu, May 24: Newly appointed Minister for Forests and Environments, Dr Birendra Prasad Mahato, has said the Ministry of Forests and Environment itself is a body with high potential.     

While assuming office in Singha Durbar today, the Minister stressed the need to mobilise the Ministry resources and contribute to employment creation and economic prosperity.     

He was of the view of promoting timber exports through the proper management of forests. "The government is ready to loosen legal hurdles to collect decaying trees and make their uses," he said, pointing out the possibility of earning foreign currencies through the utilisation of forest products including herbs.     

The Minister spoke of the need of facilitating the environmental issues in hydropower projects. "Future of the environment is equally important while undertaking development endeavours."

Ministry Secretary Dr Rewati Raman Poudel and Ministry employees welcomed the new minister to the office. Mahato represents the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal in the collation government. He was appointed to the post on May 23 and took an oath of office and secrecy before President Ramchandra Paudel today itself. (RSS)