Justice activists on behalf of People for Alternative Policy submitted an appeal to Secretary of Ministry of Industry, Tourism , Forest and Environment Mr. Yagyanath Dahal urging to take immediate steps to curb air pollution in Far west Nepal

The appeal was submitted in the wake of worsening air quality in Far West especially Dhangadhi. There has been a growing concern about public health with the resurgence of covid-19 virus and increasing air pollution. The appeal requested Ministry of Environment to take necessary urgent measures to stop the forest fires in the province and check air pollution.

The appeal states:
As we are all aware , Air Quality Index on 5th April 2021 was 429 in Dhangadhi creating concern among general public. Wild fire in Far West Nepal has emerged as a main factor in worsening the air quality apart from vehicles, construction sites, factory sectors and dusty roads. The air quality in the recent days has reached a hazardous level. As air pollution gets severe the general public’s exposure to such a poor quality air increases the risk of respiratory diseases and worsen covid-19 infection. This can have irreversible debilitating and life threatening health complications. This level of air pollution affects people throughout their life time. Given the covid – 19 pandemic the air pollution can aggravate the situation and can have a grave effect on public health.

We would like to state here , that the Constitution of Nepal , 2015 guarantees right to live in a healthy environment. It states every citizen shall have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. It also states the victim shall have the right to obtain compensation, in accordance with law, for any injury caused from environmental pollution or degradation. The provision of Constitution allows for necessary legal provisions for a proper balance between the environment and development, in development works of the nation.

It is thus, imperative that all concerned take necessary steps to ensure Fundamental Rights as enshrined and guaranteed by article 30 of Constitution of Nepal. In this, backdrop your role in combating air pollution becomes paramount. Fighting air pollution in sustainable ways, requires long term strategy, policies, programs and effective implementation. There is thus, an urgent need to initiate Environment Protection program.

We request you to take following steps to curb air pollution:

Mobilize communities and Community Forest User Groups to combat (prevent and control) Forest Fires.

Proper management of open waste burning. Take measures to reduce emissions from landfills.

Conduct study as to whether air in Dhangadhi contains harmful bacteria that affect the population.

Enforce Euro Six emission standards for vehicles. Take measures for reduction of CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vehicles.

Pollution awareness program should be increased throughout the province.

Improved energy efficiency in buildings, industry household appliances.

Abatement measures in the manufacturing industry.

Take up tree plantation in every ward of the Province.

We also request for effective enforcement of existing laws and policies:

Formulate long term strategy to combat air pollution in consultation with experts and general public

Promote use of renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass) and combined heat and power installations in the long run.

Ensure effective enforcement of Environment Protection Act 2019, and other provincial Legislations like Far West Environment Conservation Ordinance, 2077 , Forest and Soil Conservation Program Procedure 2077/78

Introduce Environment protection and Justice program in the curriculum accordingly.

We thus, request Ministry of Industry , Tourism , Forest and Environment ’s resourceful and effective action to ensure clean and healthy environment in Far West Nepal. Our effort in this direction will strengthen the respect for life, dignity and sustainable development. Environmental Justice today has to be a common purpose. We, the undersigned on behalf of People for Alternative Policy thus , call on you take necessary step to stop the ongoing air pollution find urgent solution to environmental issues of the province.

Receiving the appeal Secretary Yagyanath Dahal said , it is a welcome move that citizens have come forward for such an important issue. We have taken various measures to control and prevent forest fires. We will definitely look into the recommendations and engage people from all sections and background to protect the environment. As we are quite new, we are working on how environment can be made a top most priority. We feel environment protection has to be mainstreamed and integrated in departments of education, work and life.

The appeal was endorsed by Justice activists and Paralegalism Campaigners Prabhakar Bagchand , Rama Bhattarai, Dinesh Nepali , Rajkumar Jairu and Rakshya Bagchan on behalf of People for Alternative Policy.

५ वैशाख २०७८, आइतवार १४:२१ बजे प्रकाशित