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
