National 7 (Spotlight Weekly)

Green Movement

Save the Environment Foundation has made efforts to save the valley’s environment by planting trees

By A CORRESPONDENT

At a time when the greenery in the core areas of valley is gradually disappearing, the Save the Environment Foundation (SEF) – an NGO working in the sector of environment – has come up with new programs of planting trees to restore greenery in the city.

With the initiative of SEF, many trees have already been planted along the roads in Kathmandu. As a part its campaign, the SEF recently planted another 300 trees at west lawn of army headquarters.

The trees were planted to celebrate the 33rd birthday of Crown Prince Paras. Initiated by Princess Prerana, 33 prominent women participated in the ceremony planting the Japanese plant Cherry Blossom. The women included senior social workers, politicians, doctors, former senior civil servants and lawyers.

Princess Prerana at the program : For the cause of environment

“This is a green honor to prominent women who have made enormous contribution in their various sectors. In fact, one of the main aims of this year’s program was to encourage active participation of women in the areas of environment protection,” said Chanda Rana, executive chairperson of SEF.

Organized jointly with Love Green Nepal, another non-governmental organization, the campaign has introduced a vigorous effort to change the cityscape and make it more environment-friendly and healthy city to live in.

“Since this is the 33rd birthday of Crown Prince Paras, we invited 33 prominent women personalities to plant 33 trees,” Rana said.

Rana added that the SEF will be responsible for the proper maintenance and care of the trees. Together with the Love Green Nepal, the SEF has been working in a Tundikhel Beautification Project. Both organizations have already planted 300 Ginkgo Biloba plants in Tundikhel in the last one year.

SEF has already planted trees along the road of Singhadurbar and Tribhuwan International Airport. The organization also maintains a park at the roadside in front of Birendra International Convention Center in New Baneshwore.

At a time when the number of vehicles plying in the city is increasing rapidly, there is an urgent need to have adequate plants so as to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. Likewise, the plants and trees will also release pure oxygen making the city healthier.

At the initiative of SEF, renovation works along the Rana’s statues have already begun. The decoration and renovation of Jung Bahadur’s statue has already completed. SEF is also working to renovate other five statues including the statue of King Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah.

Plantation of trees is not enough – proper care is even more important. In the last few years, SEF has been making efforts to protect the trees as well as to maintain the greenery.

After the completion of the Tundikhel Beautification project, there will be greenery as well as preservation of the country’s historic treasures.

Ignored and neglected for decades, the valuable statues of Rana are in the process of ruining. Thanks to the initiative of SEF, the statues are now getting new lease of life.

Established in 1994, SEF has been promoting the cause of greenery in the valley. Headed by Amira Dali, Love Green Nepal has also joined in its efforts to maintain the greenery in Kathmandu.

The campaigns by organizations like SEF will go a long way in transforming the image of Kathmandu city, which is now regarded as one of the most polluted cities in this region.