Minister Mahato directs for results-oriented actions

Kathmandu, June 5: Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr Birendra Prasad Mahato, has said environmental pollution is taking its extremity due to human activities inimical to the environment. He stressed that all should start actions within the self to control growing environmental pollution.     

In his address to a main ceremony organised by the Department of Environment on the occasion of World Environment Day here today, the Minister said there should be no duplications in government actions relating to the environment and its conservation. He urged subordinate bodies to start preparing substantive plans and actions for environmental protection right from today itself.     

Expressing his concerns over the operations of motor vehicles based on old technology in the country, he questioned, "Why imports of Euro 3 Standard vehicles are taking place in Nepal." He took time to say that almost all nations in South Asia have already switched to vehicles above the Euro 3 standard.     

Minister Mahato urged the Department to come up with a report to replace old technology-based vehicles with exhaust emissions and to import advanced technology-based vehicles.     

Also speaking on the occasion, former minister Ganesh Shah said, "Plastic is a major contributor to the environment pollution and the environment issue is now the public health issue as well." He underlined the need of revising the existing Environment Act, related policies and rules as per the federal setup in the nation.     

Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Baikuntha Aryal, said though nature gifted human life generously, it was suffering consequences of human activities. He said the reuse of plastic was necessary to minimize plastic pollution.     

Department director-general Shibalal Tiwari described plastic pollution as one of the major challenges in controlling environment pollution, adding that the government was working to control plastic use.     

Tribhuvan University Prof Dr Rejina Maskey said the recycling and reuse of plastic were needed to minimize plastic pollution when plastic had been a vital need of human life.     

Alternative Energy Promotion Centre executive director Nawaraj Dhakal said all should work hand-in-hand to protect the environment.     

On the occasion, a message of best wishes extended by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on the occasion of World Environment Day was read out.     

The Minister for Forests and Environment also launched the Air Quality Report, 2021 on the occasion.

RSS journalist Ojha bags 'Environment Promotion Journalism Award'     

National News Agency (RSS) journalist Bhishma Raj Ojha has been honoured with this year's 'Environment Promotion Journalism Award, 2079 BS' on the occasion.     

Minister Mahato honoured him with the award carrying a purse of Rs 50,000 in recognition of Ojha's contribution to environmental protection through journalism for over two decades.     

Kantipur journalist Govinda Pokhrel and Radio Nepal's Balika Maden were also awarded on the occasion.     

June 5 every year is observed as the World Environment Day since 1973 and it is the Day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote actions at the political and social level for the sustainable protection of the environment.     

This year, the Day is observed with the theme of "Solutions to Plastic Pollution" including in Nepal and it is focused on the campaign called 'Beat the Plastic Pollution'.     

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