Forest Ministry to plant at least 10 million saplings across country during monsoon

Kathmandu, Aug 12: Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri has instructed all subordinate bodies to plant 10 million saplings of different plant species in all local levels during the ongoing monsoon.     

Minister Thakuri directed all forest offices, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Offices, national parks, reservoirs areas and local levels to carry out the plantation, according to a press statement issued by Minister Thakuri today.     

According to the statement, his Ministry decided to urge all subordinate bodies to play their part in making the plantation campaign effective.     

He viewed that we all need to play our part to reduce the negative impact on environment due to emission of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide in the last 200 years.     

"Climate change has started adversely affecting mountains, human lives, impeding economic development, harming biodiversity and tourism sectors," he stated, voicing concern over increasing cases of no rain, excessive rain, flood, landslides, drought and avalanches among others natural disasters.     

The Minister, citing a report related to climate change published in 2004 that forests absorbs 60 per cent of carbon dioxide emitted in the world, emphasized on increasing forest cover.     

According to him, increasing trees in the forest would not only contribute to expansion of coverage of forest and greenery in the country, it would also help mitigate the effects of climate change.     

He also underscored forest conservation. "We could reap many benefits besides environmental benefits if we plant at least one plant in every houses and offices. Plantation of tree in both sides of the road would also contribute to greenery besides enhancing the beauty of city and villages," read the statement.(RSS)