By TRN Online, Kathmandu, June 5: Lumbini World Peace Forum planted sapling to mark World Environment Day in Ilam today.
“On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, a
special plantation program was successfully organized today in Ilam by the
Lumbini World Peace Forum in coordination with Ilam Municipality. Organized
under the global theme "Our Land, Our Future," the event saw the
planting of 800 ornamental plant saplings to enhance the natural beauty and
urban environment of Ilam,” stated the Forum on Friday in its press release.
The event was marked by the prominent presence of
Kedar Thapa, Mayor of Ilam Municipality; Bishnu Dahal, Deputy Mayor;
chairpersons of various municipal wards; local representatives; civil society
members; and environmental conservationists.
As part of the initiative to make Ilam greener and
more beautiful, 400 Asare, 200 Kalki, and 200 Begumbeli (Bougainvillea)
saplings—all attractive, flowering, and ornamental species—were planted across
various public spaces, roadsides, and green zones in Ilam.
To promote ecological balance and Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), leading financial institutions extended significant
support to this movement. Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA) supported
300 saplings, Kumari Bank Limited supported 300 saplings, and Muktinath Bikas
Bank Limited supported 200 saplings, stated the Lumbini World Peace Forum.
Addressing the gathering, Basu Gautam, Founder and
Chairperson of the Lumbini World Peace Forum, highlighted the critical
importance of tree plantation and explained the vision behind launching this
national movement.
"Due to the rapid impacts of climate change,
our mountains, forests, and entire ecosystem are facing an existential crisis.
Tree plantation is not just about putting a sapling into the ground; it is a
grand movement to safeguard our planet and protect future generations,"
Gautam said. "The core mission of our movement is to restore ecological
balance and build a green, sustainable society. Every citizen and institution
must take responsibility to achieve this."
Speaking at the event, Mayor Kedar Thapa extended
his gratitude to the Lumbini World Peace Forum for choosing Ilam for such a
significant plantation drive on World Environment Day. Similarly, Deputy Mayor
Bishnu Dahal committed that the municipality and local communities would ensure
the proper care, protection, and preservation of the newly planted saplings.
The Lumbini World Peace Forum has long been actively
leading nationwide campaigns to mitigate climate change and promote
environmental conservation in Nepal. The organizers expressed confidence that
this special World Environment Day drive will significantly contribute to the
natural aesthetics and environmental sustainability of Ilam, according to the
press note issued by the Forum.