Conserve environment

The Himalayan Times

8 June 2017

Conserve environment

The World Environment Day was observed in Nepal by organizing various programmes on Tuesday, June 5. It is observed every year on this day by the government, I/NGOs, schools and other concerned organizations putting up different slogans “School students observe Environment Day” (THT,  June 6, Page 2). However, it seems that not much has been done much from the government and other stakeholders looking at the degrading environment conditions. Most of the forests have been deforested causing massive land slides and flooding in the low lands destroying farming lands and resulting in human casualties. 

The concept of community forestry programme started in late 90’s was one of the most effective efforts of the government with the involvement of user groups. It was a pioneer concept in the forestry sector “Conserve for future, says president” (THT, June 6, Page 2). Some of the donor organizations had wholeheartedly supported this concept. However, because of the lack of political commitment and frequent changes in government and its flexible policy, this noble effort started losing its momentum. As a result, most of the community forests have started disappearing due to bad management and indiscipline. 

The recent local level elections have tremendously remained successful in electing people’s representatives with extraordinary authorities to run their offices. Likewise, the upcoming second phase elections will also bring more people’s representatives. They will be responsible to conserve forests and local environment involving local communities.  More awareness campaigns regarding environment conservation are needed to be implemented. Water resource management and forest conservation programmes should be revived in order to improve the quality of local environment. Personal hygiene and sanitation programme should also be massively launched in the rural areas. Otherwise, celebrating World Environment Day once a year makes no sense.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu