Singha Durbar to be plastic-free zone

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to make Singha Durbar — the administrative headquarters — a plastic-free zone.

Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal today directed authorities to implement the plastic-free-zone concept from tomorrow itself.

“From tomorrow onwards, plastic bags of less than 20 micron will be prohibited on Singha Durbar premises. The government will extend the drive across the country,” said PM Khanal.

Plastic bags less than 20 micron thickness are non-reusable.

Khanal also directed authorities to launch a special programme to increase greenery in the Valley. The prime minister, who spent almost the entire day at different programmes in Kathmandu to mark World Environment Day -2011 today, made some other environment protection commitments.

Speaking at a science students’ conference, Khanal urged all students to do their bit to save the environment.

Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Bhanubhakta Joshi hailed the PM directive for launching the greenery programme.

“We will move further to implement the concept and submit a proposal to the cabinet soon,” said Joshi.

“Twenty years ago, when I was minister for forests and environment, we promoted community forestry. The bid has now proved one of the best conservation examples. Now, we must promote private forestry and encourage each family to plant trees around their houses,” Khanal said.

Meanwhile, marking the day, the Ministry of Environment honoured individuals and organisations working in the environment sector.

Abdullah Miya of Radio Sagarmatha, Gopimaya Gurung of Choyatar Community Forest User’s Group and Khop Narayan Shrestha of Manahari Development Institute were honoured in recognition of their contribution to the environment.

Likewise, Thaneshwor Dhungana, organic vegetable farmer from Pokhara, and Khadananda Acharya, an exemplary waste management initiator from Parbat were also honoured.

Also in the honour list was Eco Friends Nepal, an NGO that organised tree plantation at Indreni Community Forest in Tokha marking the day. Another NGO Small Earth Nepal also organised a students meet on climate change