Welcome Contribution
KATHMANDU is the capital city of Nepal. It is
not for nothing that the ancient city was chosen as the capital by the rulers of the
country. Kathmandu, which is situated in a valley, has been blessed in many ways, it has a
virtually perfect weather, it is surrounded with natural beauty and it has a rich
tradition and culture. So it is no wonder that more and more people started to come to
this place. While some came by choice and some came by compulsion as most of the top level
government, educational and health institutions are situated here. Furthermore, as it is
also the only entry and exit point for international air travellers, the city has just
continued to grow and grow. The rapid urbanisation and continuous growth of population has
had its adverse effects on this once unique city. Not only has it been turned into a huge
mass of concrete, air pollution and garbage problems are also rampant. So at this
juncture, it is encouraging to see efforts being made from different sectors to protect
the natural environment of Kathmandu through various means. On this line, a new Trust that
will organise various programmes to protect the environment of Kathmandu Valley, the
Toyota Trust for Environment Millennium 2000, was formally opened by Deputy Prime Minister
Ram Chandra Poudel amidst a function the other day.
It is true that only the government cannot
resolve all the challenges that are before the nation. Specially in matters like
environment protection, the cooperation from the people, will go a long way in making
things happen. Quite correctly, DPM Poudel made it clear that the government will assist
any organisation that is involved in environment protection. The new Toyota Trust for
example, will plant 5000 saplings in the green belt region of the Ring Road. If similar
other organisations also take up such responsibilities to make Kathmandu green and also
make it clean, there is no reason why the city won’t gain back some of its lost
natural beauty. That much can be done by the general people and private sector
institutions, has been seen by the various park like spots that have sprouted up at
different junctions in the city. Not only do these "parks" look like beautiful
oasis in a concrete desert, but they also help in keeping the air clean. It can be hoped
more private sector institutions, mainly business houses and industries, will come forward
to make this place where we all live, a better place environmentally and aesthetically.
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