Bagmati CM Lama for collective efforts to protect environment

By Anil Parajuli,Hetauda, Dec. 24: Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang stressed the need to safeguard the environment and cultural heritage. 

Speaking at a programme on 'Localising Climate Action, Protecting Public Assets, and Gender Perspectives in Justice' held in Hetauda on Monday, he underlined the need for collective efforts to protect the environment as its degradation affects everyone.

Chief Minister Lama stressed the necessity of environmental protection laws and regulations, emphasising their rigorous implementation. He highlighted that climate change impacts were felt more acutely at the local level, necessitating greater awareness and action at the grassroots.

At the event, Bagmati Province's Social Development Minister, Hari Prabha Khadgi, expressed concern over the increasing effects of climate change and pledged policy-level support from her ministry. She underscored the importance of preserving public heritage to safeguard cultural identity and stressed the need for its protection and promotion.

Minister Khadgi also spoke about the advancements made by women in the political arena, urging further economic empowerment. She highlighted her ministry’s efforts to empower women and youth and stressed the importance of women's involvement in development projects. She called for job creation within Nepal and the inclusion of women in international platforms.

Province Minister for Forests and Environment, Krishna Prasad Silwal, said that humanity's quest for convenience is destroying the planet. He expressed concern over the melting of glaciers and the risks faced by coastal communities due to climate change.

Sujata Baral, Programme Coordinator of the Active Women’s Group in Chitwan, stated that rural and marginalised women are disproportionately affected by climate change. She expressed concerns about the challenges of conserving forests, the environment and water resources.

Bharti Pathak, a Bagmati Province Assembly Member and a member of the Forest and Environment Committee, stressed the need to mitigate the impacts of climate change through coordination, collaboration and coexistence. She pointed out issues arising from a lack of coordination among federal, provincial and local governments.

At the event, the Project Coordinator of Action Aid Kabita Basnet, presented a paper on climate change and its impacts.

The province-level dialogue programme featured extensive discussions on addressing challenges related to implementing federal climate policies and laws at the local level. The venue also showcased stalls featuring forest-based products such as soaps, honey and handicrafts.